Jannik Sinner secured his second China Open title on Wednesday, defeating Learner Tien in a straight-sets in Beijing. With the win, Sinner has joined a prestigious list of multiple-time champions in the tournament history, which consists of the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Michael Chang.
No one, however, has won the competition more times than Djokovic, with the Serb winning the title at the ATP 500 event a record six times. Since the competition has become a 500-level event, no one has won it more than once (except Sinner), making Djokovic's accomplishment all the more impressive.
Following his win, at a press conference, it was expected that Sinner received questions about Djokovic's record and the potential of him matching the 24-time Grand Slam champion's record in the future. The world No. 2 was not convinced to compare himself to the icon, saying that he thought of himself as a 'normal 24-year-old' and that he did want to think much about the future.
"I always say comparing me to Novak, he's in different league with everything he has achieved in his career. I'm just a normal 24-year-old who tries to play the best tennis possible," Sinner said.
"I know I've won some great titles in my young career, but let's see how long I can hold it. What Novak, Rafa and Roger did for 15-plus years was amazing. Novak is still here and showing some incredible tennis. So let's see," he added.
Regardless of whether he goes on to match or overtake Novvak Djokovic's six championships at the China Open in the future, Jannik Sinner focused on the fact that he will be happy he managed to win at least two things now.
"But I'm not comparing myself. I'm here to play. I'm here to enjoy. I'm also happy that I can say that I won two times here. If it stays at two? If it's more, I'm more happy? I don't know if I'm more happy. I don't know," Sinner said. "I'm very happy that I can say I won here two times, then we see in the future."
Previously, Sinner won the China Open in 2023, defeating Danii Medvedev in the final in straight sets. He reached the final last year as well but faced defeat against Carlos Alcaraz.