MATCH REPORT | 2024 China Open: Sinner survives Safiullin scare amid WADA appeal news

While Jannik Sinner played at the China Open, news about WADA's intention to appeal his no fault or negligence verdict in his doping case was confirmed. But as he has throughout his ordeal, he got on with the job at hand.

Sinner though survived a real scare in taking down Roman Safiullin. He notched a second consecutive comeback win against the Russian who flew into a 3-0 lead and put the frighteners on the World No.1. He sealed it 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 though to maintain his record too of having reached at least the Quarter-Finals at every tour level event he has played in 2024. Some going.

After coming from a set down to defeat Nicolas Jarry, Sinner again found himself in trouble. Safiullin who is known to be a player who has a deceiving ranking and can trouble on his day showed just that. He responded emphatically to claim a two hour, 22 minute victory.

Sinner's power game and consistency from the baseline wore down his opponent. He won seven straight games from 2-2 in the second set to take control and converted four out of 13 break points in the end against Safiullin. He tied Alexander Zverev for most tour wins this season and is another step towards becoming Year End No.1. The standout player this season and despite some unwanted noise in the background, he continues to show why he is the best. Even in facing adversity on the court in this case against Safiullin.

He now faces Jiri Lehecka. The Czech ace won in a tough three setter against Roberto Bautista Agut. While Flavio Cobolli also sealed a win to open today. He saw off Pavel Kotov 6-4, 6-2. Only Daniil Medvedev is to come.

He faces off against Adrian Mannarino and will hope to join Sinner in the last eight this weekend.