Sinner survives scare in Beijing and Fritz loses opener at Japan Open

By The Associated Press

Italy's Jannick Sinner autographs for fans after his match against Chile's Nicolas Jarry during the China Open tennis tournament held at the National Tennis Center in Beijing, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Ng Han Guan]

BEIJING (AP) — Top-ranked Jannik Sinner has overcome a scare from Nicolas Jarry to begin his defense of the China Open title with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 first-round victory. The Italian extended his win streak to 12 after titles at Cincinnati and the U.S. Open. At the Japan Open, top-seeded Taylor Fritz was upset by No. 24-ranked Arthur Fils of France 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. Fils peeled off 32 winners in a power-hitting display against Fritz, who made his first Grand Slam singles final at the U.S. Open this month.