China Open: Sinner begins title defence in Beijing with victory over Nicolas Jarry

Jannik Sinner earn his 12th consecutive win on his return to the China Open on Thursday after moving past Chilean Nicolas Jarry in three sets to reach the next round.

The 23-year-old Italian and World’s top ranked player dropped the opening set. But Sinner was unfazed, increasing his level, consistency, and intensity to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the Beijing first round.

“He played good tennis,” said Sinner, who is 56-5 on the season. “In the first set I was struggling to return his serve and he broke me. I just tried to stay there mentally. The first round at any tournament is never easy and playing against him is very tough. But I am happy about the performance and how I ended the match.”

“The first-serve was good, the second I have to improve a little,” said Sinner, who won 82 per cent (37/45) of his first-serve points according to Infosys ATP Stats. “He was returning aggressively, so it is not easy. From after US Open we tried to work very hard, change a few things but happy with my process.”

Sinner won the ATP 500 event in Beijing the last year. His performance in the Chinese capital was a crucial first step toward becoming the first Italian No. 1 in PIF ATP Rankings history (since 1973).

Since his 2023 championship run in Beijing, Sinner has won a Tour-leading seven titles, including majors at the Australian and US Opens. Sinner, who is competing for the first time since winning the trophy in New York earlier this month, will next face either former World No. 3 Stan Wawrinka or lucky loser Roman Safiullin.