Jannik Sinner vows changes after US Open loss, eyes comeback at China Open

When Jannik Sinner bowed out of the US Open final to Carlos Alcaraz, it wasn’t just a trophy that slipped away – his 65‑week grip on the world No. 1 ranking vanished too. The loss has sparked a flurry of speculation about what the 23‑year‑old will do differently. Now, fresh off that defeat, Sinner is stepping onto the hard courts of the China Open in Beijing, ready to turn talk into action.

What went wrong in the US Open final?

Alcaraz’s aggressive baseline play and willingness to trade blows exposed a few cracks in Sinner’s game. Analysts noted that Sinner’s first‑serve percentages dipped below 55%, and his movement lagged when the Spaniard launched deep, angled shots. The Italian’s usually rock‑solid backhand turned timid on crucial points, and his mental composure slipped during the fourth set tiebreak.

In post‑match interviews, Sinner was candid: he felt “a little too comfortable” with his own rhythm and admitted he hadn’t been experimenting enough with shot selection. He also mentioned a desire to sharpen his transition play – moving from defense to offense quicker – and to add more variety to his serve placement.

The road ahead: Beijing, Shanghai and beyond

The China Open offers Sinner a chance to test new tactics in a high‑stakes environment without the pressure of a Grand Slam. He faces Marin Cilic in the first round – a veteran who can still produce surprise winners. Sinner told the press that he plans to mix up his serve, aiming for more body serves to jam opponents and using the slice backhand more often to disrupt rhythm.

Beyond Beijing, the Italian’s calendar is packed:

• Shanghai Masters – a Masters 1000 event where a deep run could earn valuable ranking points.
• Paris Masters – the final big tournament of the season, often a decisive battleground for the year‑end No. 1 race.
• Turin (ATP 250) – a home‑soil event that gives him a chance to play in front of fans and fine‑tune his grass‑court game ahead of next year.
• Davis Cup – representing Italy, a platform to test his mental resilience in a team setting.

Sinner’s coaching team, led by Riccardo Piatti, has reportedly introduced “small changes” in practice: slightly earlier ball tosses on the serve, a tighter grip on the forehand to generate more spin, and extra conditioning drills to boost endurance in long rallies. The aim isn’t a wholesale overhaul but a series of incremental tweaks that, cumulatively, could give him an edge.

Fans and pundits alike are watching closely. If Sinner can translate these adjustments into wins in Asia, he’ll not only climb the rankings but also send a clear message to Alcaraz: the battle for the top spot isn’t over yet. The next few weeks will reveal whether his “small changes” turn into big results.