Jannik Sinner ended his losing streak against Alexander Zverev with a thrilling 7-6 (11/9), 5-7, 7-6 (7/4) victory on Sunday, earning a spot in the Cincinnati Open final against American Francis Tiafoe. Sinner had previously lost four of their five encounters, with his only win coming at Roland Garros four years ago. The match, which lasted over three hours, included a significant rain delay that interrupted play during the first-set tiebreaker for nearly 30 minutes.
Despite the weather challenges, Sinner managed to save two set points against him and seized the first set on his third opportunity. However, he dropped the second set after losing an early break and then a crucial break in the 12th game. The third set went to a tiebreaker, where Sinner took control with a 5-2 lead and secured the win on his second match point.
Reflecting on the match, Sinner acknowledged the tough conditions, stating, "It was a tough match, a very exciting match. We played in different conditions: sunny, rain, and then night. There was a lot of tension for both of us. I'm very happy with my performance and happy to be in the final." The Italian, who last won a title on grass at Halle two months ago, will face the winner of the match between Frances Tiafoe and Danish 15th seed Holger Rune in a rare Monday final.
Sinner, who has dealt with recent health issues including a hip problem and tonsillitis, emphasized the importance of staying fit. He remarked, "If I'm going to win bigger matches, I have to be more in shape. Today I stayed mentally strong; I'm proud of that." This victory marks Sinner's fifth career Masters 1000 final, showcasing his resilience and readiness as he prepares for the upcoming US Open.
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