2024-08-19 06:18:08
World number one Jannik Sinner has defeated Alexander Zverev in three thrilling sets to reach the Cincinnati Open final.
Top seed Sinner spent 3 hours and 7 minutes to seal the semifinal victory 7-6 (11-9) 5-7 7-6 (7-4).
The 23-year-old Italian had lost all four of his previous matches against German Zverev but overcame a hip problem to advance to the final.
Sinner will face American Frances Tiafoe at around 23:00 BST on Monday to compete for his fifth ATP Tour title this season.
The 26-year-old Tiafoe defeated Danish No. 15 seed Holger Ruhn 4-6 6-1 7-6 (7-4) in the other semifinal.
After a tough match against the 27-year-old Zverev, Sinner said he still has a lot of work to do when it comes to fitness.
“Of course, physically, I have to improve because if I want to win a Grand Slam or a bigger title, I definitely have to be in better shape,” he said.
“But I just tried to stay mentally the same and I’m very proud of that – let’s see what happens. [on Monday]”.
Sinner aims to win his second Grand Slam title when the U.S. Open opens in New York on August 26 this year.
After losing the first set in a tie-break, Zverev won the second set and led 5-4 in the third set.
However, Sinner rallied and won three of the next four games to force the match into another tie-break, twice breaking world number four Zverev’s serve before eventually winning. won.
“Sometimes you have to rely on your instincts. I think that was my advantage today,” Sinner said.
“I thought it was a good match for both of us. He served very, very well, so I can be very proud.”
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