Rafael Nadal applauds Carlos Alcaraz’s epic win over Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz claimed his first Beijing Open title on Wednesday following a memorable 6-7, 6-4, 7-6 victory over his great rival Jannik Sinner. The world’s best players battled for three hours and 21 minutes, staying neck and neck from start to finish and delivering another thriller in their growing rivalry.

Like many times before, Rafael Nadal congratulated his compatriot and the doubles partner, applauding Carlos’ skills. World no. 3 fought valiantly against world no. 1, standing two points away from the exit door and trailing 3-0 in the deciding tie break.

Alcaraz stepped in and grabbed the next seven points, cracking six winners and lifting the trophy in style! The defending champion had his chances, overcoming a 5-2 deficit in the opener and saving three set points. The Italian had an opportunity to grab a decisive break at 4-3 in the second set, missing his chances and losing serve in the next one.

Carlos forged another lead in the decider before the Australian Open and the US Open winner bounced back.

Jannik stood two points away from the finish line in the tenth game and had an early advantage in the tie break, squandering it and suffering his first loss in this year’s ATP finals.

Alcaraz dropped serve two times and attacked on the return, generating 15 break chances and seizing three. The four-time Major winner fired 55 winners and 52 unforced errors, rushing to the net and taking charge in the decisive moments of the deciding tie break.

They stayed close to each other in the mid-range and most advanced rallies, and Carlos made the difference with a reliable performance in the shortest exchanges up to four strokes. The Spaniard was off to a great start, although he failed to bring the opener home.

He held in the first game of the clash and cracked a forehand down the line winner in the next one, earning three break points. World no. 1 saved them and held, bypassing the opening scare….