ATP Beijing Final Preview – Jannik Sinner vs Learner Tien

For the very first time, world #2 Jannik Sinner will face rising American talent Learner Tien, with the ATP Beijing crown on the line. Sinner has been a mainstay at the business end of tournaments all year, while Tien has built a reputation as a giant killer, making a habit of winning big matches throughout the season and posting an excellent record against the top 10. This marks Tien’s first ATP final, while Sinner is contesting his ninth consecutive hard court final, a remarkable streak that underscores his dominance on the surface.

Paths to the Final

Sinner’s run to the final has been solid, though not without challenges. He opened with a commanding win over Marin Čilić before being pushed hard by Terence Atmane in the Round of 16, ultimately surviving in three sets. The Italian steadied against Fabian Marozsán in the quarters, coming through in straights, and then faced his toughest test in the semifinals against Alex de Minaur. Although he dropped the second set, Sinner raised his level in the decider to clinch his spot in Wednesday’s championship match.

At times this week, Sinner has looked below his usual standard from the baseline, and bouts of cramping have raised concerns. Yet, even when not at his very best, his ability to find solutions has never left much doubt about his path to the final.

Now, the 19-year-old American finds himself in his first ATP final, boasting a 5–2 record against Top 10 opponents this season, a stat that underlines his ability to rise to big occasions.

Tactical Preview

The matchup will largely be on Sinner’s racket. The Italian holds the edge across most departments — the bigger serve, superior baseline consistency, and best-in-class movement that allows him to both dictate with heavy groundstrokes and wear down opponents. His goal will be clear: control the rallies, take time away, and move Tien around the court.

For Tien, the key lies in exploiting the cross-court patterns as a left-hander. As recent matches against Sinner have shown, using wide angles and redirecting early can disrupt his rhythm. While his serve and groundstrokes can be attackable, Tien’s best chance is to extend rallies, test Sinner’s legs, and capitalize on any physical lapses. Points under six shots are likely to favor Sinner, so the American must drag exchanges out and force the world #1 into uncomfortable positions.

It’s a daunting challenge. Few players other than Carlos Alcaraz have consistently troubled Sinner on hard courts since 2024. But titles don’t come easily, and if Tien wants to claim his maiden ATP crown, he will have to overcome one of the toughest tasks in tennis: beating Jannik Sinner in a hard court final.

What’s on the Line?

For Sinner, this is a chance to return to the winners’ circle after back-to-back final defeats to Carlos Alcaraz. A title in Beijing would not only provide a vital confidence boost ahead of Shanghai but also help him keep pressure on the Spaniard in the ATP rankings and year-end Race, where he currently trails.

For Tien, the stakes could not be higher. A win would mean his first career title, the biggest win of his young career, and a major step towards becoming seeded at the Slams next season. It would cement his status as one of the brightest young stars in the game and suggest that he will be one to watch closely next year after a breakthrough season to remember.