Jannik Sinner ignored the bubbling controversy over his steroid case and a roaring home crowd to set up a China Open final against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.
The World No. 1 and defending champion defeated the 96th-ranked Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) to avoid a major upset.
The Italian faces Spanish second seed Alcaraz, who was in fine form in a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev in the other semifinal.
In front of a packed house on China’s national day, US Open champion Sinner was facing a player he had never met before and who was competing in the biggest match of his life.
China’s 22-year-old Bu was also in the form of his life, having similarly reached the semi-finals last week in Hangzhou.
Bu had Sinner under pressure on the Italian’s serve early in the first set, but Sinner staved off the threat and the storm gradually blew itself out as the set wore on.
They went to the tie break in the second set, with Sinner serving an ace to convert his third match point after just over two hours.
Nobody has won more matches on tour this season than Sinner, 23, who failed two doping tests in March but was cleared of wrongdoing and allowed to keep playing.
READ: I’ve had sleepless nights over doping case, says Sinner
Tennis authorities accepted Sinner’s explanation that trace amounts of a banned steroid unintentionally entered his system from a physiotherapist who used a spray containing it to treat a cut, then provided massage and sports therapy.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) reignited the case on Saturday, saying it had appealed the decision and is seeking a ban of up to two years.
Sinner has admitted to having sleepless nights over the issue.
Alcaraz gets the better of Medvedev
Four-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz reached his first final in the Chinese capital and is in ominous form, yet to drop a set.
Alcaraz, looking to bounce back from a second-round exit at the US Open, drew first blood when he broke last year’s finalist Medvedev for 3-2 in the first set.
“I think I played really well. Obviously if I want to beat Daniil, I have to play really good tennis, high-quality tennis,” said Alcaraz, who is chasing a 16th ATP Tour title -- which would equal Sinner.
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates after beating Medvedev during the men’s singles semifinal match of China Open in Beijing. | Photo Credit: AP
“I felt great on the court once again, so I’m really happy about it. I think I couldn’t ask for a better semifinal.”
Alcaraz looked in the mood, cupping his ear to a capacity crowd after emerging from one scintillating rally.
He then failed to hold serve for three games in a row, leaving the set poised at 4-4.
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Third-seeded Medvedev became increasingly frustrated after a couple of calls failed to go his way and Alcaraz broke for 6-5, then held to wrap up the set in 48 minutes.
Alcaraz broke for a 3-2 lead in the second set, after which Medvedev had treatment from the physio on his left leg.
He had more treatment at 3-4 down as his hopes slipped away, Alcaraz getting the job done on his fourth match point.
Alcaraz is one win away from his 16th ATP Tour title.
The final is on Wednesday.
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