"He killed me within an hour" - Jannik Sinner's opponent Bu Yunchaokete recalls meeting the World No. 1 in juniors ahead of China Open SF
Jannik Sinner’s next opponent at the 2024 China Open, Bu Yunchaokete, recalled facing him during their junior days. The Chinese tennis player hilariously disclosed that he was dismissed by the World No. 1 within one hour.
Sinner, the China Open defending champion, has progressed to the semi-finals. After comeback wins over Nicolas Jarry and Roman Safiullin, he beat Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 7-6 (6) to secure the spot.
Jannik Sinner faces China’s Bu Yunchaokete on Tuesday, October 1, for a place in a second consecutive Beijing final. Bu, who made a mark at last week’s Hangzhou Open by reaching his maiden ATP semifinal, replicated the result at the ATP 500 in Beijing by beating Shang Juncheng, Lorenzo Musetti and Andrey Rublev.
In the post-match press conference following his quarterfinal, Bu was quizzed about his preparation ahead of his match against Sinner.
"Against Jannik Sinner, of course (I am making preparations). You're in the semifinal. It either Medvedev or Sinner. What I can do is to enjoy the match," he said, translated from Mandarin.
The 22-year-old also recounted facing the World No. 1 during their junior days.
"I remember when we were junior players, he killed me within an hour. That's all I can remember. But now it has been many years later," he said.
"Jannik Sinner is a leader of this new generation; I will be really proud" – Bu Yunchaokete on China Open SF
During the aforementioned press conference, Bu Yunchaokete added that he is looking forward to facing Jannik Sinner in front of his home crowd on Tuesday evening. At the event, Sinner, the newly crowned US Open champion, is vying for his 17th career title and seventh of this season alone.
"I really look forward to this match. It's a night match again. With the experience of tonight, I will do better tomorrow. Of course, my opponent will be stronger tomorrow," he said, translated from Mandarin.
The World No. 96 lavished praise on Sinner, noting that he would be “proud” to compete against the “leader of the new generation” at the China Open.
"Of course, playing the world No. 1 is something I look forward to. He is a leader of this new generation. I will be really proud. Of course, many fans will be supporting me. All I need to do is enjoy and perform my best," he said.
Bu Yunchaokete’s latest victory over Andrey Rublev marked his maiden top-10 win. Thanks to his heroics during the Asian swing, the Chinese tennis player is set to make his top 70 debut come Monday.