Jannik Sinner was back to his best in a 6-2 6-2 win over American teenager Learner Tien in Wednesday's China Open final, as the world No 2 picked up his third title of the season and 21st tour-level trophy overall.
The four-time Grand Slam champion came into the title match at the National Tennis Centre after a hard-fought semifinal win over Alex de Minaur on Tuesday, during which he struggled with physical problems caused by a stomach bug.
There were no signs of discomfort in his first meeting with 19-year-old Tien, however, as Sinner settled into the match with a break in the opening game and looked solid throughout to take the first set with a hold in the final game.
Tien, playing in his first final and bidding to become the youngest American ATP Tour champion since Andy Roddick in 2002, twice earned breakpoints in the second set but Sinner fended them off and built a 4-2 lead.
The 2023 champion then sealed the win to became the second man to claim multiple titles at the ATP 500 tournament after Novak Djokovic (2009-10, 2012-15).
Monfils has retired from pro Tennis PHOTO/Gallo Images
Monfils retires
Former world No 6 Gael Monfils will retire at the end of next season, the Frenchman said on Wednesday.
Known for his athleticism and flair, Monfils has won 13 ATP Tour titles, the latest of which came in Auckland in January, nearly 20 years after his first in Poland in 2005.
His victory in the Auckland Classic made him the oldest player to win an ATP Tour title at 38 years and four months.
"Now, after celebrating my 39th birthday just a month ago, I'd like to share that the year ahead will be my last as a professional tennis player," Monfils wrote on social media.
"The opportunity to turn my passion into a profession is a privilege I have cherished during every match and moment of my 21-year career.
"Though this game means the world to me, I am tremendously at peace with my decision to retire at the end of the 2026 tennis season."
Monfils has reached two Grand Slam semifinals, losing both at the French Open in 2008 and the 2016 US Open, but said he would sign off without any regrets.
"Life is too short," he added. "Believe me when I say that I have no regrets. What I do have is the feeling that I have been lucky: insanely, stupidly lucky."