The defending champion, Jannik Sinner, is set to face either Andrey Rublev or Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete in the semifinals after a solid victory over Jiri Lehecka. Sinner dominated the quarterfinal match with a score of 6-2, 7-6 (8/6), marking his impressive 14th consecutive win. The 23-year-old Italian has been under scrutiny lately due to a doping case, which has added pressure as he competes in the tournament.
Recently, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced its intention to seek a ban of up to two years for Sinner after he tested positive for traces of the steroid clostebol in March. Despite this controversy, Sinner has remained focused on his game, continuing to perform at a high level. In August, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared him of any wrongdoing, allowing him to continue competing. Shortly after, he clinched his second major title by winning the US Open.
The ITIA accepted Sinner’s explanation that the steroid entered his system through a treatment his physiotherapist administered for a cut. According to Sinner, the physiotherapist used a spray containing clostebol before providing him with massage and sports therapy. However, WADA has decided to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), prolonging the uncertainty surrounding Sinner’s situation.
On the court in Beijing, Sinner demonstrated his skill and resilience, particularly after initially dropping a set in his first two matches of the tournament. Against the 37th-ranked Lehecka from the Czech Republic, Sinner quickly gained control of the first set, showing confidence and precision. The second set, however, proved to be more challenging, as both players engaged in a fierce exchange of powerful groundstrokes.
The match ultimately went to a tiebreaker, where Sinner showcased his mental fortitude by saving two set points before sealing the victory. As he advances in the tournament, his performance continues to draw attention, not only for his skills but also for the circumstances surrounding his recent doping case.
In the other semifinal matchup, four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz will take on last year’s runner-up, Daniil Medvedev. Alcaraz secured his spot in the semifinals after overcoming a tense first set against Russian seventh seed Karen Khachanov, ultimately winning 7-5, 6-2. Meanwhile, Medvedev, the third seed, dispatched unseeded Italian Flavio Cobolli with a straightforward 6-2, 6-4 victory.
This upcoming clash between Alcaraz and Medvedev promises to be exciting, as they have a competitive history. The two have faced each other seven times, with Alcaraz winning five of those encounters, including their most recent matchup in the semifinals at Wimbledon. Medvedev acknowledged Alcaraz’s talent, stating, “When he’s in the zone, he’s probably the best player in the world. I feel like now he’s in the zone, so it’s a great test for me.”
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Sinner and the unfolding drama surrounding his doping case, as well as the highly anticipated match between Alcaraz and Medvedev. The outcomes of these matches could have significant implications for the players’ careers and the future of tennis.
