Sinner Advances, Swiatek Cruises at China Open

TDT | Manama

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Jannik Sinner survived a challenging start to defeat French qualifier Terence Atmane 6-4, 7-5, 6-0 at the China Open on Saturday, while Iga Swiatek began her title campaign in convincing fashion.

The world number two Italian will face Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, ranked 57th, in the Beijing quarter-finals.

“It was a very tough match today,” said four-time Grand Slam champion Sinner. “I felt like he was serving great.”

Sinner admitted losing focus briefly in the second set but regained momentum to dominate the decider. “I started off very well in the third set and then saw Atmane struggling a bit physically. It’s not how you want to win a match, but I’m very happy to be through to the next round,” he added.

Atmane had started strong, serving two aces in the first game and making Sinner work hard to take the opening set. The Frenchman hit six more aces in the second set and even broke Sinner’s serve, forcing a third set. However, with Atmane’s energy fading, Sinner powered through to secure the win.

In the women’s draw, world number two Iga Swiatek dominated local favorite Yuan Yue, winning 6-0, 6-3 to reach round three. Swiatek will next face Colombia’s Camila Osorio, ranked 83rd.

Swiatek set the tone early, taking the first set without dropping a game as Yuan struggled with unforced errors. Cheered on by her home crowd, Yuan improved in the second set, but Swiatek closed the match when Yuan’s return went into the net.

“She was reading the court pretty well,” Swiatek said of her opponent. “It wasn’t easy and every game was tight.”

The six-time major champion is the top seed in Beijing after world number one Aryna Sabalenka withdrew due to injury.