Sinner Set to Clash with Former Finalist in Beijing Debut
The draw features Zverev, De Minaur, and Musetti
September 23, 2025
Photo Credit: Corinne Dubreuil/ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner clinched the ATP 500 title in Beijing in 2023.
By Sam Jacot
Jannik Sinner is gearing up to take on Marin Cilic at the China Open, marking his first match since he faced off against Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final. As the top seed in Beijing, Sinner awaits this challenge after the draw revealed his matchup on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old Italian, currently boasting a 37-5 record this season according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, has cherished memories of this hard-court event, having lifted the trophy here in 2023. In his opening round, Sinner will face the 2011 finalist, Cilic, with a potential second-round encounter against local favorite Zhang Zhizhen on the horizon.
Sinner’s journey to the quarter-finals could see him matched against World No. 10 Karen Khachanov, while possible semi-final opponents include third seed Alex de Minaur or seventh seed Jakub Mensik. De Minaur, hunting for his second ATP 500 title this year (after Washington), kicks off against China’s Buyunchaokete, whereas Miami champion Mensik faces Miomir Kecmanovic in his first match.
On the lower half of the draw, second seed Alexander Zverev will take on Lorenzo Sonego in his opener, with a potential quarter-final rematch against Daniil Medvedev on the cards. Medvedev, who begins against Cameron Norrie, holds a 13-7 edge over Zverev in their Lexus ATP Head2Head encounters. Medvedev was a finalist in Beijing in 2023, while Zverev has made the semi-finals here three times.
The fourth seed, Lorenzo Musetti, and sixth seed, Andrey Rublev, join Zverev in this competitive half, with Musetti, who recently reached the finals in Chengdu, pitted against the powerful Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his first match. Rublev faces Flavio Cobolli. All three players are eager for impressive performances in China to enhance their chances of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals.
#NextGenATP talents Shang Juncheng and Learner Tien will also compete in the draw. Chinese wild card Shang is making a comeback from injury, facing a qualifier, while Tien meets Francisco Cerundolo. The ATP 500 event is set to unfold from September 25 to October 1.
