Carlos Alcaraz Triumphs Over Jannik Sinner Amid Doping Controversy at China Open

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in a decisive tiebreaker at the China Open, extending his dominance over Sinner amid the latter's ongoing doping case. Alcaraz has now bested Sinner in all three encounters this year. Sinner's doping appeal, involving unintentional steroid use, remains unresolved.

Carlos Alcaraz clinched victory over top-ranked Jannik Sinner in a thrilling China Open final on Wednesday, securing seven consecutive points in a decisive tiebreaker to win 6-7 (6), 6-4, 7-6 (3). This marks Alcaraz's third triumph over Sinner this year, following victories at Indian Wells and the French Open.

Alcaraz's win halted Sinner's impressive streak of 14 matches and thwarted his bid for a third consecutive title after victories in Cincinnati and the U.S. Open. Sinner, the defending champion, faced the additional challenge of an ongoing doping case, with the World Anti-Doping Agency appealing to impose a one to two-year ban.

Despite a strong start, Alcaraz overcame a 5-2 first-set lead slip and Sinner's comeback efforts in the final set. The match adds another chapter to what is becoming a top-tier rivalry in tennis. Meanwhile, WADA's case against Sinner, involving unintentional anabolic steroid entry from a physiotherapist's spray, remains unresolved.

(With inputs from agencies.)