Sinner replicates Alcaraz's shoe-change tactic to complete a comeback, Huang Zelin exemplifies what it means to lose with honor

After the clash between world number one Sinner and Canadian Shapovalov, some remarked that spending money on this match was worthwhile, as it featured an astonishing turnaround and a nostalgic echo of last year's China Open final.

Shapovalov took on Sinner, and before the match, people assumed the Italian would sweep the first two rounds effortlessly, predicting the Canadian would likely suffer a heavy defeat.

Although they met four years ago at the Australian Open, where Shapovalov made Sinner work hard in a five-set battle but ultimately failed, giving the Canadian a psychological edge, their current statuses and rankings are vastly different. Shapovalov’s chances of troubling Sinner as before seemed slim, and the match's outcome was not expected to be in doubt.

However, surprises often arrive without warning, catching everyone off guard!

Despite now being in completely different tiers from Sinner, Shapovalov still showed fierce determination from four years ago, taking the first set 7-5, handing Sinner his first lost set at this US Open and delivering an early shock to the world number one.

Why did Sinner losing that set cause concern? The Italian had been in good form, but suddenly faltered at 5-6 in his own service game and got broken, surrendering the set.

Although Sinner fought back to take the second set 6-4 and even the match, he ran into serious trouble at the start of the third set.

When Shapovalov surged to a dream 3-0 lead in the third set, viewers immediately commented that if Sinner lost this set, given the Canadian’s momentum and fierce will to win, the world number one could very well face a shocking early exit, ending his title defense prematurely.

Just when everyone thought Sinner might not escape the crisis, the Italian unexpectedly turned the situation around with a single move.

After struggling to hold serve in the fourth game, Sinner took a seat to change his shoes, and upon returning, he seemed transformed—winning five consecutive games to close the third set at 6-3, then powering through the fourth set 6-3 to seal the match and complete a strong comeback against Shapovalov.

This match became a hot topic not only because Sinner withstood the pressure to showcase the true strength of the world number one, but also because of the shoe-change moment in the third set, which instantly reminded everyone of last year’s China Open final.

In last year’s China Open final, Sinner also held a lead against Alcaraz, who was in a tough spot, but after the Spaniard employed the shoe-change tactic, the momentum shifted dramatically, allowing Alcaraz to come back and lift the championship trophy.

Some joked that Sinner has now copied Alcaraz’s trick from last year’s China Open, using it at a critical moment to overturn Shapovalov, finally putting the painful loss of that title behind him. "The move Alcaraz taught last year worked wonders this time, indirectly helping young Sinner get through a tough spot."

The match between 21-year-old Hong Kong player Huang Zelin and Rublev also sparked lively discussions after the game, with the topic's heat rivaling that of Sinner’s comeback against Shapovalov.

After continuously breaking his best records at the US Open, Huang faced Rublev in the third round. Before the match, bookmakers’ odds discouraged many hoping to see the Hong Kong player continue making history. Huang’s odds at 8 to 1, compared to Rublev’s 1.08, essentially told everyone the 21-year-old would be overwhelmed without a chance.

But Huang Zelin is someone who believes he can defy fate. Despite being underestimated, he refused to give in and fought fiercely from the first set. After leveling at 2-2, he won four straight games to take the set 6-2, instantly lifting the mood in the live broadcast room.

Interestingly, although Rublev took the next two sets 6-4 and 6-3 and appeared poised to close out the match, Huang resisted the pressure to claim the fourth set 6-4, turning what was expected to be a one-sided match into an even contest.

Unfortunately, in the crucial deciding set, the young 21-year-old Huang fell short, losing 3-6 in the fifth set, shattering the hopes of supporters anticipating an upset.

Nonetheless, Huang Zelin received warm applause after the match, comparable to that given to the winner Rublev. Taking a match deemed one-sided by bookmakers to a full five sets and narrowly losing exceeded expectations, truly embodying the spirit of honorable defeat, and he can proudly leave New York with his head held high!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moonlit River Starry Sky)