Jannik Sinner ignored the bubbling controversy over his steroid case and a roaring home crowd to set up a China Open final against Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday.

The world number one and defending champion defeated the 96th-ranked Chinese wildcard Bu Yunchaokete 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) to avoid a major upset.

The Italian faces Spanish second seed Alcaraz, who was in fine form in a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Russian third seed Daniil Medvedev in the other semi-final.

"It's a very delicate moment, very difficult, very different," Sinner said after racking up a 15th win in a row even as he makes headlines off the court. "So every victory for me is a great sign."

Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz emulated Rafael Nadal in reaching a China Open final as he sent Daniil Medvedev packing 7-5, 6-3 on Tuesday.

The 21-year-old Spaniard Alcaraz is into his first final in Beijing, something legendary compatriot Nadal did four times.

Alcaraz, looking to bounce back from a second-round exit at the US Open, drew first blood when he broke last year's finalist Medvedev for 3-2 in the first set.

Alcaraz looked in the mood, cupping his ear to a capacity crowd after emerging from one scintillating rally.

They then failed to hold serve for three games in a row, leaving the set poised at 4-4.

Third-seeded Medvedev became increasingly frustrated after a couple of calls failed to go his way and Alcaraz broke for 6-5, then held to wrap up the set in 48 minutes.

Alcaraz broke for a 3-2 lead in the second set, after which Medvedev had treatment from the physio on his left leg.

He had more treatment at 3-4 down as his hopes slipped away, Alcaraz getting the job done on his fourth match point.

Alcaraz is one win away from his 16th ATP Tour title.

The final is on Wednesday. (AFP)

Last updated: 2024-10-2 HKT 8:30