Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, secured his fifth title of the year by defeating American Frances Tiafoe in the Cincinnati Open final with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 victory. The 23-year-old Italian delivered a dominant performance despite a persistent hip issue, finishing the match in one hour and 37 minutes.
The opening set saw a fierce battle, with both players pushing each other to a tie-break. Sinner’s resilience shone through as he edged out Tiafoe 7-4 in the tie-break, giving him the first set. In the second set, Sinner shifted into a higher gear, breaking Tiafoe’s serve twice to take control of the match and secure the title.
Following his win, Sinner reflected on the challenges of the tournament, saying, “It was a tough week, both physically and mentally. I’m very pleased with how I played today.” This victory makes Sinner the youngest Cincinnati Open champion since Andy Murray’s triumph in 2008 when the British star was just 21.
Sinner’s journey to the title was anything but easy, with grueling matches throughout the tournament, particularly in the semi-finals. He acknowledged the mental and physical toll, stating, “It was difficult mentally, especially after such an intense run here. But I tried to give my best today, and I’m happy with the outcome.”
Sinner’s success in Cincinnati adds to an already impressive season. Earlier in the year, he captured his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, followed by victories in Rotterdam, Miami, and Halle. His Cincinnati win further solidifies his position as a leading ATP Tour contender.
With the US Open on the horizon, Sinner emphasized the importance of recovery. “Now, I need to focus on getting ready for New York,” he said. “The US Open is the main goal of this swing, and I want to be at my best.” As the final Grand Slam of the year approaches, Sinner’s recent form makes him a formidable threat at Flushing Meadows.
