Carlos Alcaraz is set to clash with defending champion Jannik Sinner in the Cincinnati Open final, promising a thrilling encounter between two of the sport's brightest stars. The final is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m. EDT.
Alcaraz reached the final after defeating Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals. The Spaniard secured a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Zverev, who appeared to struggle physically during the match. Alcaraz targeted Zverev's forehand with high, heavy cross-court balls, while Zverev aimed his backhand down the line to avoid Alcaraz's strategy. After a tight opening, Alcaraz elevated his game to seize the first set and an early break in the second. Although he gave the break back with consecutive double faults, Zverev's hampered condition prevented him from mounting a further challenge.
Zverev's physical struggles were evident, requiring a medical timeout in the second set. He was also treated by the physio during his quarter-final win against Ben Shelton. Despite Zverev's efforts, Alcaraz maintained his focus to secure the victory.
Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner booked his place in the final by overcoming French qualifier Terence Atmane in straight sets. Sinner, who celebrated his 24th birthday on the same day, displayed a dominant performance, winning 7-6(4), 6-2. Sinner won 91% of his first-serve points and didn't face a single break point. Sinner lost only three points on serve in the first set. Atmane double faulted on the first point of the tiebreak, which allowed Sinner to take control. Sinner then broke Atmane twice in the second set to seal the match.
Sinner is the defending champion at the Cincinnati Open. He is also on a 26-match win streak on hard courts. Sinner is aiming to defend his Cincinnati title and close the gap with Alcaraz in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin.
Alcaraz and Sinner have an increasingly captivating rivalry. Monday's match will mark their fourth consecutive meeting in a tournament final. Sinner won their most recent encounter at Wimbledon. Alcaraz expressed his eagerness for the rematch, seeking to avenge his Wimbledon loss. "We always bring our best tennis. We raise each other's level. I'm ready to take the challenge," Alcaraz stated.
Sinner acknowledged the challenge Atmane posed, especially given it was their first encounter. "Every time you play against someone completely new, it's difficult, but playing against this guy in the later stages of a tournament is even more difficult," Sinner said. He also added, "I knew that I had to be very careful, and my mindset was in a good spot. I felt like I handled the situations on the court very well".
The Cincinnati Open, a combined men's and women's tournament, is held on outdoor hard courts at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. It is a Masters 1000 event on the ATP Tour and a WTA 1000 event on the WTA Tour.
