Jannik Sinner confirmed his place in the China Open semi-finals for the third consecutive year in Beijing, but the World No. 2 has spotted something different about this year’s tournament.
Sinner saved set points in the second set to defeat Fábián Marozsán in straight sets in his quarter-final clash.
The Italian’s progress in the tournament has been straightforward, despite Sinner revealing problems with his game at the China Open.
The star has lost just one match at the China Open since 2023, to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 final, but Sinner has highlighted a key difference at this year’s event compared to his previous visits to Beijing.
Jannik Sinner says fan support in China has grown since 2023
Sinner has enjoyed his stints on the ATP Tour’s Asian leg in recent years, winning the title in Beijing in 2023, as well as the Shanghai Masters in 2024.
Tennis is becoming more and more popular in the continent, particularly with the success of Alcaraz and Sinner’s rivalry, and the Italian has noticed the rising fan support.
Speaking at his press conference after his win against Marozsán, Sinner praised the overwhelming support from fans.
“It’s great. I mean, different kind of support, which I really like,” revealed the World No. 2. “You get a lot of gifts. It’s nice to be here. I feel like it has grown so much in the last two years.
“Already when I came the first time, people kind of knew me, which was great. I always had great support here and in Shanghai.
“It’s definitely a swing what I like because many different things you see,” he added. “It’s great to be here. The sport here has grown a lot.
“Also because the men’s and women’s side, many great Chinese players who are making passionate, for the fans here, the tennis. It’s great.
“Obviously, you can see this every year. You see more people this year in the first-round match, many more people watching than last year.
“I think that should be the goal, trying to have as many fans as possible watching our sport. It’s great.”
Jannik Sinner’s extraordinary record in China
The intense fan reaction to Sinner in China seemingly only makes the World No. 2 play better as he holds an exceptional record in the country.
The star has played 22 matches in China and he’s won 20 of them since making his debut in the country in 2023.
Sinner holds a 90.9% win rate in China, the highest record since the year 2000, with Novak Djokovic’s win rate of 87.5% the next-best.
The Italian will be hoping to further his record in the China Open semi-final, where he plays Alex De Minaur.
