Jannik Sinner beats Alexander Zverev in Cincinnati epic to make final, Frances Tiafoe downs Holger Rune
By Conor Keenan
Updated 19/08/2024 at 11:48 GMT+1
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner overcame Alexander Zverev in a three-hour, rain-disrupted semi-final at the Cincinnati Open on Sunday night to set up a final against American Frances Tiafoe. Sinner won both the first and third sets to set up his meeting with Tiafoe, who himself survived two match points in a thrilling final-set comeback over Holger Rune.
Highlights: Sinner battles past Zverev to reach Cincinnati final
Video credit: SNTV
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defeated Germany's Alexander Zverev in a three-hour, three-set battle at the Cincinnati Open to book his place in the men's final against American Frances Tiafoe on Monday night.
The top seed's semi-final against the world No. 4 took three hours and seven minutes in a rain-disrupted match in Ohio.
Sinner won both the first and third sets via a tie-break, defeating Zverev 7-6(9), 5-7, 7-6(4).
The Italian admitted that he must improve his fitness if he is to seriously compete at future Grand Slams, including the US Open at the end of August.
Sinner had said after his quarter-final victory over Andrey Rublev he has to get "back in shape" as he continues to struggle with a hip injury.
“It means a lot to me. It's a very different moment, what I'm going through, so I'm very happy about this result," Sinner said afterwards.
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"The physical aspect, of course, I have to improve, because if I want to win Grand Slams or a bigger title, I have to be more in shape. But I just tried to stay there mentally, which I'm very proud of. Let's see what's coming tomorrow.”
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'I'm not worried yet,' says Sinner on physical condition for US Open after Zverev battle
Video credit: SNTV
After losing the second set, Sinner found himself 5-4 down in the deciding set before going on to win three of the next four games, breaking Zverev's serve twice en route to victory.
“It was a tough match, an exciting match," Sinner said.
“Sometimes you have to play a bit with the gut feeling. And I think this today was my strength.
“Some up and downs, which can happen, especially when you play for more than three hours. It was a good match for both of us. He served very, very well, so I can be very proud.”
Tiafoe defeats Rune in thriller
Sinner will meet Tiafoe in the final after the 26-year-old American won a thrilling semi-final over Denmark's Holger Rune.
Tiafoe bounced back from losing the opening set to the world No. 15, storming to a 6-1 victory in the second to set up a decider.
He would find himself 2-5 behind before staging a remarkable comeback which included saving two match points, eventually coming through 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(4).
"That last set was crazy," Tiafoe said after the match, adding luck was on his side in such a close encounter.
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Highlights: Tiafoe stuns Rune in Cincinnati to reach his first ATP 1000 final
Video credit: SNTV
The Maryland native clipped the top of the net on the first match point at 5-4, with the ball barely popping over onto Rune's side of the court to continue the match.
"The luck goes on your side sometimes. Those net cords made a huge, huge difference,” Tiafoe said.
“It saved one of my match points like that, but in the breaker I came up with some good shots.
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"I played well, hit some good serves early, didn’t serve great at the end. But I battled, I battled and he got a little tight. One thing led to another and here we are.”
After becoming the first American to reach the Cincinnati Open final since John Isner in 2013, Tiafoe admitted he will be the underdog against Sinner on Monday night.
“Absolutely, for sure he is [the favourite], right? He’s lost like five matches all year? He’s the favourite in every match he plays, no question about it. You’ve got to tip your hat to a guy like him.”
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