Jannik
Sinner (No. 1) and Jack Draper (No. 28) secured first-round victories at the
Cincinnati Open. The world No. 1 started with a comfortable straight-sets win
over local player Alex Michelsen (No. 57), while the British No. 1 defeated
Jaume Munar (No. 89) in a tight match that was decided in a third-set
tie-break.
Read also
Sinner comfortably overcomes Michelsen in Cincinnati debut
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner had little trouble defeating the rising young star
Michelsen by 6-4, 7-5 in his debut at the Cincinnati Open Masters 1000. This has never been
an ideal venue for the Italian, who reached the third round, matching his best
result from 2022.
The first
set quickly tilted in Sinner's favor as he secured an early break and took a
2-0 lead. In the 4th and 8th games, Michelsen had a couple of break
opportunities but couldn't capitalize. Sinner eventually claimed the set 6-4
after 46 minutes, winning 69% of his service points compared to the American's
61%.
In the
second set, Michelsen showed better accuracy with his first serve, but Sinner
raised his level in the crucial moments. The Italian hit 8 aces and a total of
20 winners, while the local player managed just 1 ace and 5 winners.
After a
tight set in which both players held their service games, the 2024 Australian
Open champion broke just before a potential tiebreak and sealed the victory
6-4, 7-5. In the round of 16, he awaits the winner between Jordan Thompson (No.
32) and Sebastian Baez (No. 20).
Draper edges Munar in thrilling debut
Despite
being the clear favorite, it wasn’t an easy day for Draper. The 22-year-old
Brit was coming off a first-round defeat at the Canadian Open against Thompson,
but he had a good chance to improve in his Cincinnati debut. Munar had
surpassed the qualifying rounds and had only recorded four wins in the main
draw of Masters 1000 tournaments on hard courts. Additionally, all of Munar's
major results had been on clay courts.
In the
first set, Munar showed that he was ready to compete directly with Draper,
holding his first three service games while conceding only one point. In the
6th game, he also secured a break and was up 5-2. However, Draper made a
comeback, breaking twice in a row and winning the last five games of the set to
take the lead 7-5.
Munar
maintained his high level in the second set, once again taking an early lead at
3-0 after the first break. Later, he secured a second break in the 6th game and
led 5-1. Although Draper showed resistance and recovered one of the breaks,
Munar eventually closed the set 6-3.
A fiercely
contested third set saw consecutive breaks for each player in the third and
fourth games. Both held their serve throughout the set, with Draper facing a
delicate moment in the 11th game, but he managed to save a break point. The set
ultimately went to a tie-break, where the Brit secured a hard-fought victory
7-5, 3-6, 7-6(5).
His next
opponent will be 9th seed Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 11), who is coming off a big
comeback against Jan-Lennard Struff (No. 36) with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. The
Greek player will be highly motivated, as a victory would temporarily return
him to the top 10, displacing Alex De Minaur, who is not competing this week.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.
mandoist05-11-2026 - Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
