China Open draw: Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz discover paths to blockbuster final
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have discovered their projected China Open pathways ahead of a potential final between the two reigning Grand Slam champions.
Twelve months ago, Sinner defeated Alcaraz in the last four on his way to the title, but this time the pair are seeded first and second respectively and are the favourites to meet in the championship match.
World No 1 Sinner has been handed an intriguing draw, but not one that will likely concern him too greatly as he looks to defend his crown in Beijing.
The Italian begins his campaign against Italian Open finalist Nicolas Jarry, before a second round meeting against either Jan-Lennard Struff or Stan Wawrinka.
Fifth seed Grigor Dimitrov is Sinner’s projected quarter-final opponent, with the Bulgarian beginning his campaign against a qualifier. Dimitrov is then projected to face Jiri Lehecka or Pedro Martinez in round two.
Should Sinner reach the last four, his semi-final opponent is projected to be world No 6 and fourth seed Andrey Rublev.
However, the Russian has not been handed a kind draw, with Pablo Carreno Busta his opponent in the opening round, and in-form sixth seed Lorenzo Musetti his projected quarter-final foe.
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Much like Sinner, Alcaraz – who is now the second seed following the withdrawal of world No 2 Alexander Zverev – has been handed a draw that looks fairly navigable.
The Spaniard begins his campaign against big-serving French star Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, before a second round clash against Tallon Griekspoor or Miomir Kecmanovic.
Alcaraz is then projected to face seventh seed Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals, with Francisco Cerundolo also lurking in this section.
The world No 3 is projected to face third seed and 2023 runner-up Daniil Medvedev in the last four, in what would be a rematch of the Wimbledon semi-final Alcaraz won in four sets.
Medvedev has not been handed the kindest of draws, starting with a round one clash against Gael Monfils.
The former world No 1 would then face Adrian Mannarino or Lorenzo Sonego in round two, before a projected quarter-final against eighth seed Alexander Bublik.
Bublik himself faces an intriguing opener against rising Italian star Flavio Cobolli.
500 ranking points are up for grabs for whoever wins the title, with the Masters 1000 event in Shanghai then taking place the following week.
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