It wasn’t just a tennis match, but a test of resilience. Jannik Sinner booked his place in the final of the ATP Beijing tournament by defeating Alex de Minaur 6-3, 4-6, 6-2. The victory carried extra weight: not only because of the caliber of his opponent, but also because it came after Sinner began struggling with a muscle problem in his left glute early in the match.

The Italian dominated the first set 6-3 with authority, but physical discomfort soon interrupted his rhythm. In the second, the world No. 2 had to fend off a barrage of break points—eleven in total. He survived a first triple break chance but couldn’t escape the second, allowing the Australian to level the contest 6-4.

With momentum seemingly on de Minaur’s side, Sinner raised his game in the decider. He stormed to a double break, racing to a 4-0 lead, and despite occasional grimaces of pain, he kept full control to close it out 6-2. For de Minaur, it was another defeat in a series of frustrating encounters with the Italian. For Sinner, it was a statement of maturity, grit, and the ability to win even when not at his best.

He now awaits the winner between Daniil Medvedev and young American Learner Tien. The question mark: how much will his physical condition weigh on the upcoming final? For now, Sinner has once again proven capable of turning difficulties into motivation.