The path to the Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner Beijing final showed the evolution of tennis ATP Tour
A Mind Game
How the Alcaraz-Sinner Beijing final showed the evolution of tennis
The Brain Game analyzes the unforgettable finale
October 02, 2024
AFP/Getty Images
Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in three sets on Wednesday evening to win in Beijing.
Written by Craig O’Shannessy
Tennis is evolving before our eyes.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are reshaping the way our sport is played, and updated game statistics are needed to better understand what play patterns they are pulling to their advantage. Alcaraz narrowly defeated Sinner 6-7(6), 6-4, 7-6(3) in the China Open final on Wednesday, and an analysis of their competition at the net gives a good insight into how the next generation constructs their scores. .
Approach and volley have been a staple of our sport since its inception. The new trend is actually approach and no volley.
Alcaraz and Sinner went on to finish a point ahead of the court more than 100 times in the final, more than half of those points not involving volleys. The data set includes all points where players move forward on the court toward the net to complete the score. It combines serve and volley, return technique, and regular rally balls where either player steps into the net to create or finish a point.
Approaching Net/No Volley Hit
– Alcaraz = 58% (38/66) no hit volley.
– Sin = 74% (29/39) no hit volley.
– Total = 64% (67/105) no hit volley.
Alcaraz and Sinner prefer to finish with perfect scores before they find competition. The lane shot in today’s game is a different animal than it was a few years ago. Both players crushed their serve shots with significant power and spin, giving their opponent no chance to get out of trouble. Alcaraz and Sinner combined for 22 hits in the game.
Coming forward to finish the point and not having to volley was the first method that ended when both players went forward.
Covered: Volleys Hit
– Zero volley hit = 64% (67)
– One volley hit = 28% (30)
– Two volleys hit = 8% (8)
– Value = 105
The first way to come forward was to shoot from the front.
Alcaraz Approach Shots
– Front = 40
– Previous recovery = 1
– Hand = 9
– Return = 10
– Serve & Volley = 6
– Amount = 66
Gun Proximity Sinner
– Front = 27
– Back hand = 11
– Serve & Volley = 1
– Amount = 39
Impressively, Alcaraz used 11 rebounds in the game, immediately increasing the pressure on Sinner to hit a passing shot. Alcaraz only missed one of the comebacks. In total, he landed 10 times with the backhand and just once with the forehand. With this aggressive strategy, he won eight of 11 points, including four in the third set.
Finally, Alcaraz was able to take advantage of a higher on-base percentage in his return than Sinner.
BEIJING CHAMPION 🏆
In a dramatic finale, @carlosalcaraz fights to beat defending champion Sinner 6-7(6) 6-4 7-6(3) #China Open topic!@chinaopen pic.twitter.com/idvMd6LRiz
– ATP Tour (@atptour) October 2, 2024
Alcaraz Point Start & Finish On Net
– 56% Serving (37)
– 44% Return (29)
– Amount = 66
Point Sinner Start & Finish On Net
– 67% Serving (26)
– 33% Returns (13)
– Amount = 39
Successfully moving forward to finish points at the net when starting a point with a serve return is Alcaraz’s hidden weapon. He can start to reduce the point with a strong return or use a short break in the service box to approach quickly. At any point, at any point, both Alcaraz and Sinner were driving the net to put pressure on their opponent.
These two players will set the foundation for how our game is played for years to come. The front of the court is undergoing a revival.
