Jannik Sinner flipped the script in style on Wednesday at the China Open, where he earned victory against Daniil Medvedev for the first time in his seventh attempt to win his third title of the season.

The Italian entered his fifth championship match of the year trailing the 27-year-old 0-6 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series. Sinner looked unfazed by his previous record against the World No. 3, though, firing his trademark clean groundstrokes with power to outlast Medvedev 7-6(2), 7-6(2).

The 22-year-old was also strong on serve, winning 71 per cent (17/24) of his second-serve points to triumph after two hours at the ATP 500 event.

"Daniil, thanks for letting me win at least one match," Sinner joked during the trophy ceremony. "We have had some very tough battles, especially this year. Thanks for making me a much better player. I have been training a lot to beat you. My team are working a lot. Thank you very much and it is special to share this moment with you."

With his 49th tour-level win of the season, Sinner has jumped to No. 4 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings. The 22-year-old is just the second Italian to crack the Top 5, joining Adriano Panatta, who reached a career-high No. 4 in August 1976.

Sinner has also improved his Nitto ATP Finals hopes, consolidating fourth position in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin. The nine-time tour-level champ, who captured his maiden ATP Masters 1000 crown in Toronto in August, is aiming to qualify for the prestigious year-end event for the first time. He competed on home soil in Turin as an alternate in 2021.

In a high-quality final, Sinner showed belief from the first ball. The Italian was able to penetrate Medvedev’s defence with his attacking game, winning 19 of 29 net approaches. He was also impressive behind his second serve, outmanoeuvring the 27-year-old in the baseline duels. Sinner found his best level in both tie-breaks, locking in off both wings to improve to 9-3 in tour-level finals.

Medvedev was aiming to win his 21st title at as many events. The second seed has won a personal-best five trophies in 2023, highlighted by ATP Masters 1000 crowns in Miami and Rome. He will next head to Shanghai, where he is the second seed.

Did You Know?
Sinner is the third player to win a tour-level title this season by earning wins against the top two seeds. He beat World No. 2 and top seed Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals. Dusan Lajovic (Banja Luka) and Medvedev (Dubai) also achieved the feat.