A circus-like backhand lob from Alcaraz, who then somehow wins the backhand exchange after Sinner gets into the net.

A solid serve from Alcaraz that gives him 40-15.

But out of nowhere Sinner comes back to a duel. Consecutive backhand errors from Alcaraz when he had the chance to keep the ball get the Italian going again.

Sinner looks away in frustration after a backhand goes out of bounds and Alcaraz defends himself. Alcaraz comes to the net, but Sinner finds the lob! Brilliant dip! Let’s move on.

Errors from Alcaraz and now Stopping point for sinners! What a turnaround in this game. ACE by Alcaraz! It was only his second goal of the game and he needed it.

Oh, that’s great from Alcaraz. First he finds the backhand pass over the line. He then fakes a drop shot to direct a backhand attack to the baseline.

15-30 and Alcaraz attacks Sinner’s second serve! Another backhand winner down the line, hit early, and there’s Alcaraz two breakpoints.

Sinner saves the first with a one-two and lands the forehand winner in the crosscourt. And Sinner saves the second one too! A great second serve as Alcaraz then misses the backhand wide.

Another breathtaking hold from Sinner. He seems so hard to beat at the moment and is able to find his level when it matters most. He defies Alcaraz again.

A little look here at Sinner as he fires a forehand into Alcaraz’s feet and the Spaniard returns to the net: It’s 15:30 for Sinner against the serve.

Sinner would like a few of those balls back as Alcaraz works his way back to 40-30 while the Italian is missing rally balls.

But then Sinner reads Alcaraz at the net and plays the backhand pass! We choose Deuce, and Sinner still has a chance here.

Great direction from Alcaraz. He keeps the ball behind two beautifully constructed points, tucking away the volley to save and get back to 3-3.

Consecutive love holds for Alcaraz and then for Sinner, who confidently marches back to his spot. One thing to watch out for: Alcaraz came from behind to beat Sinner in both meetings in 2024.

There is a clear forehand winner from Sinner, who holds again at the start of the second set. It was a safe start.

Alcaraz fits the bill. After a long first set and a quality tiebreak, it seems as if both Alcaraz and Sinner are catching their breath.

Alcaraz didn’t serve well when the score was 5:3 in the first set or in the tiebreak. However, here it jumps to 40:0.

But Sinner just recognizes his opponent and chases Alcaraz’s drop shot.

The 21-year-old is relieved that Sinner fires long on the forehand.

Sinner can also serve at the beginning of this sentence. The Italian has now improved his 2024 tiebreak record to 22-6.

More please. The level in the tiebreak was very high as Alcaraz became a bit nervous due to Sinner’s resistance.

Sinner opens his forehand and holds at the start of the second set. Alcaraz will be under pressure in the second set.

Wild of Alcaraz! The ball landed for the forehand shot, but the Spaniard pushed wide! Sinner now has set point and is on serve!

In the long run from Alcaraz! Sinner escapes and somehow wins the set at his first opportunity! Relentless of Sinner and so steely!

The world No. 1 leads the China Open final after a 70-minute first set.

Alcaraz led 5-2 and then had three set points, including two in the tiebreak. But Sinner stood his ground. He didn’t lead the set until the end.

A rare mistake and now a chance for Alcaraz as Sinner hammers a forehand into the net from the baseline. 4-3 Alcaraz with two more serves.

What a defense against Sinner! Incredible. It looked like a certain point for Alcaraz, but he gets the backhand out. Alcaraz hits from deep! 4-4.

Sinner nets the forehand from a distance. 5-4 Alcaraz with Sinner next.

Magic of Alcaraz! Sinner can’t find the corner with his forehand and Alcaraz aims with his backhand. He cracks a crosscourt. 6-4 and two Target points.

ACE by Sinner. Another point is coming, with Alcaraz serving. Sinner reads Alcaraz’s serve and lands a brilliant return inside the baseline!

It’s 6-6 and Sinner has now saved three set points! We carry on!

Sinner reaches his best level of play yet, forcing Alcaraz to run from side to side in his best defense. It’s not good enough as Sinner hits the winner. A big serve goes wide and Sinner leads 2-1.

Amazing from Alcaraz! Under high pressure, he shoots the inside-out drop shot on his forehand. Sublimate. A second brilliant point in a row from Alcaraz. He fends off the drop volley with nice side spin. 3-2 Alcaraz.

Sinner with a mighty double whammy. Good tennis from both in this tiebreak. 3-3.