Sinner Shines in Beijing: Italian Star Defeats Teen Sensation Tien to Claim China Open Title
Beijing, October 1, 2025 — World No. 2 Jannik Sinner delivered a clinical performance on Wednesday evening, dismantling rising American teenager Learner Tien 6-2, 6-2 in the final of the China Open to secure his third title of the season and the 21st ATP Tour trophy of his career.
Returning to peak form after a physically taxing semi-final, the 23-year-old Italian left little doubt about his fitness or focus as he dispatched Tien in just over an hour at the National Tennis Centre in Beijing.
“It feels great to be back playing at this level,” Sinner said after the win. “I knew I had to be sharp from the very first point, especially against someone like Learner, who’s been playing fearless tennis all week.”
With the victory, Sinner becomes only the second player to win multiple titles at the ATP 500 event in Beijing, joining tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who dominated the tournament between 2009 and 2015.
Back to His Best After a Rough Ride
Sinner’s triumph comes just 24 hours after a grueling semi-final win over Australia’s Alex de Minaur, a match that saw the Italian battling a stomach bug and showing visible signs of discomfort throughout. The victory on Tuesday had raised questions about whether Sinner would be fully fit for the final, but those doubts were swiftly dispelled.
Breaking Tien’s serve in the opening game of the match, Sinner set the tone early and never allowed the 19-year-old any rhythm. He moved fluidly, struck his groundstrokes with authority, and served with precision—offering no break point opportunities in the first set and holding comfortably to close it out.
“There were some tough moments this week, especially in the semis,” Sinner admitted. “But that’s part of the tour—finding a way to win even when you’re not at your best. Today, I felt much stronger and more in control.”
Tien’s Breakthrough Run Ends in the Final
Despite the loss, the China Open marked a career breakthrough for Learner Tien, a teenager from California who was contesting his first ATP Tour final. Ranked outside the top 150 at the beginning of the year, Tien stunned the field with a dream run to the final, beating three top-30 players along the way and becoming one of the youngest finalists at an ATP 500 event in the last two decades.
Tien was bidding to become the youngest American ATP champion since Andy Roddick in 2002, but the nerves and pressure of the occasion were evident against a player of Sinner’s caliber.
“I’m proud of the way I competed this week,” Tien said after the match. “Obviously it hurts to lose, but I’ll take a lot from this experience. Jannik’s one of the best in the world, and he showed me the level I have to reach.”
Tien had two break-point chances early in the second set, but Sinner’s experience and composure proved too much. The Italian snuffed out both opportunities and then immediately broke Tien to take a commanding 4-2 lead.
From there, the outcome felt inevitable. Sinner remained locked in, and Tien—despite flashes of brilliance—couldn’t find a way back.
An ATP 500 Milestone
This victory adds another feather to Sinner’s cap in what has already been an impressive 2025 season. With three titles under his belt this year, including his earlier wins in Rotterdam and Madrid, Sinner continues to cement his position as one of the top contenders on the tour.
His triumph in Beijing makes him a multiple-time champion at the China Open, a rare feat that places him alongside Djokovic as the only men to have won the tournament more than once.
“The atmosphere here is incredible,” Sinner said during the trophy ceremony. “The fans, the energy—it’s always special to play in Beijing. To win here again means a lot.”
The 23-year-old has now won 21 ATP Tour titles, an impressive tally that underscores his consistency and rapid rise over the past few years.
Statistical Snapshot: Sinner vs. Tien Final
- Aces: Sinner – 7 | Tien – 2
- Double Faults: Sinner – 1 | Tien – 3
- First Serve %: Sinner – 68% | Tien – 61%
- Break Points Converted: Sinner – 4/6 | Tien – 0/2
- Winners: Sinner – 24 | Tien – 13
- Unforced Errors: Sinner – 12 | Tien – 18
- Match Duration: 1 hour 11 minutes
What’s Next for Sinner and Tien
For Sinner, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Paris Masters and the ATP Finals in Turin, where he will be among the title favorites. With Djokovic’s form unpredictable and several top players battling injuries, Sinner’s steady play and all-court prowess could make him a serious contender to finish the year as world No. 1.
“I’m not thinking too much about rankings right now,” Sinner said. “It’s more about continuing to improve, stay healthy, and compete for big titles.”
As for Tien, the teenager’s run in Beijing has turned heads and vaulted him up the rankings. He is expected to break into the top 75 for the first time, and with a wildcard into the Shanghai Masters confirmed, his next challenge will be to prove this wasn’t a one-off result.
“I’ve learned so much this week—about my game and about what it takes mentally and physically at this level,” Tien said. “This is just the beginning.”
A Changing of the Guard?
With stars like Roger Federer retired, Rafael Nadal nearing the end of his career, and even Novak Djokovic showing signs of slowing down, the ATP Tour is clearly entering a new era. Sinner, along with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Denmark’s Holger Rune, is part of a new generation looking to seize the spotlight.
Unlike many young players, Sinner has shown remarkable consistency on all surfaces. His level-headed demeanor, work ethic, and adaptable game style make him one of the most complete players on the circuit.
“He’s got that balance of power, speed, and patience,” former world No. 1 Mats Wilander said on Eurosport. “And more importantly, he’s a problem-solver on court. That’s what separates champions from contenders.”
A Statement Win in Beijing
Jannik Sinner’s win at the China Open is more than just another trophy—it’s a powerful statement. After battling illness, facing a talented and fearless young opponent, and with the tennis world watching, he delivered one of his most dominant performances of the year.
For Learner Tien, the loss will sting, but his week in Beijing is likely to be remembered as the start of something special. The teenager has shown he belongs on the biggest stages, and if his development continues at this pace, he could soon be the one lifting trophies.
In the meantime, the tennis world will look to Sinner—not just as a champion in Beijing, but as a player poised to lead the sport into its next golden era.
