On Tuesday, Jannik Sinner trounced Learner Tien in straight sets (6-2, 6-2) to win his second straight China Open title. Though he dominated, Sinner was impressed by the fight the 19-year-old American put up. “You’ve shown throughout the whole season what a talent you are. Keep going. You’re playing incredible tennis. I wish you all the best for the rest of the season and obviously for your whole career,” said the 4-time Grand Slam winner. However, members of the Italian star’s team think that if Tien continues on this trajectory, he could become a problem in future.

Simone Vagnozzi and Jannik Sinner began working together in 2022, focusing on Sinner’s day-to-day training. Over three years, the coach has come to experience firsthand what an unstoppable force the 24-year-old is. And yet, looking at how Tien is rising through the ranks at a stellar pace, Vagnozzi believes Team Sinner should prepare for tougher days ahead.

Talking to Corriere dello Sport, Vagnozzi spoke his mind about the stars who he believes have the potential to become a possible threat in the future. He said without deliberation, “There are many who have the potential, Tien has it too.” Given that Tien surpassed Daniil Medvedev and Lorenzo Musetti to reach the final, it’s easy to see why Vagnozzi thinks so. While he is yet to reach a Grand Slam final as a senior, the American ATP star has the most wins against the top-10 this season after Sinner and World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.

Obviously, given how tennis rankings are constantly in flux and how Sinner himself blitzed into the scene as a rising star, his coach knows Team Sinner cannot be complacent. However, Tien isn’t the only star whom Vagnozzi is keeping his eye on. “There is [Joao] Fonseca, although I really like [Jakub] Mensik. If he doesn’t have physical problems, he is someone who can grow a lot.”

But Sinner is currently among the top two stars in the world. His rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz is what defines today’s tennis scene to millions of fans around the world, and Vagnozzi knows that reaching their level isn’t something just anyone can achieve. “Let’s think about Jannik: now everyone makes his victories look normal…The boys are there, but then they have to take important steps to get to Jannik and Carlos,” said Vagnozzi, underscoring how consistent improvement has made both his protégé and his on-court rival excel.

That improvement didn’t happen on its own. Instead, Sinner had to toil and sacrifice his blood and sweat to make sure he climbed the ranks and held onto his throne. While many of his peers complained about the tournaments being stacked too closely, Sinner kept his eyes on the goal and made it clear that his priority will always be to get better with every match.

Now, as the Shanghai Masters approaches, Sinner will continue his bid to reclaim the top spot from his 6-time Grand Slam-winning bete noire.

Jannik Sinner could face Learner Tien yet again in China

At the US Open final in September, Jannik Sinner lost to Carlos Alcaraz in four sets. With that defeat, the Italian also had to cede his No. 1 spot to Alcaraz, a result the former obviously didn’t enjoy. Now that Alcaraz has decided to sit out the Shanghai Masters to recover from injury, Sinner can start to close the gap with a win, but overtaking the Spaniard will all depend on whether Alcaraz’s injury keeps him out longer.

However, Sinner’s health has been a major point of concern among fans, whose eagle eyes didn’t miss the fact that Sinner didn’t look his usual self at the China Open.

After his second-straight win at the ATP 500 competition, the Italian shed light on the matter. “I had diarrhoea for the past few days and lost some fluid, but I feel fine. I also had a bit of tension. The mix of tension and the past few days wasn’t easy, but yes, I feel fine,” he assured his followers, underscoring that he would bring his absolute best to the table for the Shanghai Masters.

Learner Tien was unable to capitalize in Beijing but could have a second crack at subduing Sinner in Shanghai. With the two players on opposite sides of the draw and no Alcaraz present, we might just yet see a repeat final. But would Tien be able to face the fury that is Jannik Sinner once again in China? Or would it again be a one-sided affair like the China Open was? Share your predictions in the comments below!