Rolex ambassador Sinner shines in Beijing, reclaiming the China Open crown after two years

On October 1st Beijing time, Rolex ambassador and top seed Sinner convincingly beat American young talent Learner Chen 6-2, 6-2 in the 2025 China Open men's singles final, reclaiming the title in Beijing after two years.

Rolex ambassador Sinner lifts the China Open trophy

Since the China Open resumed in 2023, Sinner has reached the men’s singles final for three consecutive years: in 2023, he defeated strong opponents like Dimitrov, Alcaraz, and Medvedev to claim his first China Open title; in 2024, he narrowly lost the final to fellow Rolex ambassador Alcaraz, finishing runner-up. This year, Sinner faced tough competition from the start, overcoming former US Open champion Cilic 6-2, 6-2 in the first round, showing strong form; in the second round, despite a fall during the match, he battled through three sets to beat Altmaier 6-4, 5-7, 6-0. In the quarterfinals, he defeated Marozsan 6-1, 7-5, and then overcame 3rd seed De Minaur 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 in the semifinals, marking his third straight year reaching the China Open men’s singles final.

Sinner and Chinese fans

Sinner recalled that two years ago, when he first came to Beijing to compete, many people did not know him, but now he has become a beloved figure among Chinese fans. “I enjoy receiving different kinds of support. I’m very happy to be in China and feel that over the past two years more people have backed me. When I first came two years ago, many didn’t recognize me, so having so much support now in Beijing and Shanghai feels very heartwarming.” On September 27th, the National Tennis Center saw over 45,000 visitors, setting a new attendance record for the tournament, surpassing the previous high of 44,000 on October 1, 2024. Matches featuring Rolex ambassadors Sinner and Zheng Qinwen were especially popular, with the Diamond Court reaching over 90% capacity.

Sinner

Sinner faced American rising star Learner Chen in the final, who is currently coached by tennis legend Michael Chang. Their first-ever meeting took place in this China Open final. Sinner quickly found his rhythm, breaking Chen twice in the first set and taking it 6-2 in just 34 minutes. In the second set, Chen showed signs of revival, earning two break points on Sinner’s serve but failing to convert any. Meanwhile, Sinner maintained a perfect break-point conversion rate, overwhelming Chen. After a 1 hour and 12 minute battle, Sinner triumphed 6-2, 6-2, claiming the China Open trophy again after two years. The men’s singles final between Sinner and Chen attracted 13,041 spectators, filling 97% of the Diamond Court seats, with many more watching on big screens in the China Open Plaza outside the stadium due to sold-out tickets.

This victory marked Sinner’s third title of the season (Australian Open, Wimbledon, and China Open) and the 21st of his career. He became the third male player after Djokovic and Nadal to win the China Open at least twice. This week, at two ATP 500 events, Rolex stars Sinner and Alcaraz each claimed titles in Beijing and Tokyo respectively, achieving dual crowns!

Sinner during the match

After the match, Sinner wrote “Thank you” in front of the cameras. At the press conference, he explained: “The crowd here has always been very special to me. When I first came to Beijing two years ago, I won the title, and winning again now feels very meaningful. That first China Open victory was a turning point in my career; I played some of my best tennis here, which I will never forget. Returning to the Diamond Court final this year and winning again was another memorable moment. I’m very grateful for the support from the fans here, so I wrote ‘Thank you.’”

Men’s doubles champions Heliovaara/Paatelainen

In men’s doubles, last year’s runners-up and tournament No. 3 seeds Heliovaara and Paatelainen clinched their sixth title together by saving match point with an ace and edging out the popular duo Rublev/Kachanov 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 in a thrilling comeback.

After the match, the two champions expressed their happiness to participate in the China Open and their wish to find time to visit the Great Wall. “Doubles matches are usually held on outer courts, but here at the China Open, the attendance is very high with many fans willing to watch and cheer for doubles players. We were very lucky to play on the Diamond Court today, which has some of the best facilities in the world. Although China is far from our homes, we really enjoy the atmosphere here once we arrive.”

Sinner attends China Open Rolex event

Marking the 20th anniversary of the partnership between the Swiss luxury watch brand Rolex and the China Open, Sinner’s trophy win carries special significance. Since 2012, Rolex has been the diamond sponsor of the China Open, witnessing many important moments of championship glory and the growth of tennis in China.

(Photos: Visual China, Gao Jun)