Jannik Sinner advanced to the China Open final on Tuesday, overcoming Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) despite off-court distractions related to a steroid case. Sinner will face world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-3 in the other semi-final.
The Italian, who has been under scrutiny for failing two doping tests in March but was cleared of wrongdoing, expressed relief at continuing his winning streak, marking his 15th consecutive victory. WADA has since reignited the case, seeking a potential two-year ban, but Sinner has remained focused on his performance despite the controversy.
Alcaraz, in top form and yet to drop a set, is set to meet Sinner for the tenth time, with Alcaraz holding a narrow 5-4 edge in their head-to-head record. The Spaniard is chasing his 16th ATP Tour title, which would equal Sinner’s tally.
In the women’s competition, 595th-ranked Zhang Shuai continued her incredible journey by reaching the quarter-finals with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Magdalena Frech. After a 24-match losing streak in singles, Zhang has won four consecutive matches in Beijing, all in straight sets. Her inspiring performance, despite contemplating retirement, has made her the lowest-ranked player ever to reach the last eight of the China Open.
She will now face Spain’s 19th-ranked Paula Badosa.
In another notable match, a clash between former US Open champions Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka was cut short when Osaka retired due to a back injury.
