Jannik Sinner displayed determination as he defeated Daniil Medvedev for the first time in seven meetings at the China Open finals in Beijing. However, the drama didn’t end there. During the trophy ceremony, Medvedev playfully took Sinner’s plushie from the trophy stand and posed for photos with both plushies. He later clarified that it was all in good fun, and no actual theft took place.
Sinner gave an excellent performance to clinch his third title of the year and ninth overall with a 7-6(2), 7-6(2) triumph over second seed Daniil Medvedev in the final of the China Open.
Daniil Medvedev hilariously takes Sinner’s toy figure
Daniil Medvedev reached into Jannik Sinner’s ATP China Open trophy and retrieved a prize, despite finishing as the runner-up to the Italian in Beijing. As it turns out, the former world No. 1 was simply claiming what rightfully belonged to him.”
A clip from the trophy ceremony appeared to show Daniil Medvedev taking Sinner’s plushie as he stepped off the podium for a photo opportunity, but fans in the comments were quick to clarify that no actual theft had occurred.
Daniil Medvedev said after the match, “I loved it here. As I said in the beginning of the tournament, the only tough part is that, because I went so far, I didn’t really have time to see Beijing. It’s most iconic places. That’s why I will come back. Who knows, maybe come back a little bit earlier before the tournament, or come back and if for whatever reason it doesn’t go well, have time. So, yeah, definitely will be back one day.”
Off the court, Sinner and Medvedev have always engaged in sincere and entertaining exchanges. Even after the match won by the Italian, they shared jokes during the title presentation.
With the victory in the second round of the tournament and the upcoming match against the American Marcos Giron, Jannik Sinner would have the mathematical certainty of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. After his success in Beijing, we now only await the official confirmation of his qualification.
Jannik Sinner claims first-ever win against Medvedev at China Open
Jannik Sinner produced a triumphant display to capture his third title of the year and ninth overall with a 7-6(2) 7-6(2) victory over second seed Daniil Medvedev in the final of the China Open. Sinner came into the clash having lost to Daniil Medvedev in their previous six meetings, including two earlier this season in the finals of Rotterdam and Miami, but the Italian kept pace with his opponent and sealed a opening first set via a tiebreak.
“It means a lot,” Sinner said of his win which followed a victory over number two Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals. “A lot of work. I felt like I was prepared for this match today. I’ve lost many times against him. It feels great especially when you beat a player you’ve never won against and this was a positive week. I had to overcome some tough challenges and I’m very proud of myself, how I handled the situations. It has been awesome.”
Jannik Sinner will become the second Italian in the history of ATP rankings (since 1973) to break into the top five when the latest list is released and will match Adriano Panatta’s ranking of four, which was achieved in August 1976
