In a captivating Cincinnati Open semifinal, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev engaged in a thrilling three-hour and eight-minute battle that showcased their exceptional shot-making abilities. Despite a rain delay that briefly halted the first-set tiebreaker, the match resumed with an electrifying display of tennis.
Sinner, despite struggling with a persistent hip issue, fought back from a break deficit to level the opening set. The tiebreaker proved to be a tense affair, with both players trading set points. Sinner’s resilience shone through as he saved two set points and eventually clinched the set 7-6 (9).
Zverev responded strongly in the second set, breaking Sinner’s serve to take an early lead. However, Sinner remained unfazed and broke back immediately. The set remained on serve until the 11th game, when Zverev capitalized on Sinner’s errors to break and take the set 7-5.
The decider was a test of both players’ physical and mental fortitude. Sinner’s hip problems resurfaced, but he refused to let it hinder his performance. Zverev continued to probe Sinner’s movement, but the Italian held firm. The set progressed to a tiebreaker, where Sinner’s determination proved decisive.
At 1-2, Zverev’s volley error gave Sinner the advantage. The Italian seized the opportunity, securing a mini-break with a brilliant forehand return winner. Zverev fought back to level at 3-3, but Sinner remained composed. He earned a second mini-break at 5-3 and converted his second match point to seal the victory 7-6 (4).
Sinner’s triumph marked his second win over Zverev in seven career meetings. He will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe in the final, where he will aim to extend his perfect record in finals this season to 5-0.