"If we face each other again in New York, don't beat me!" - Tiafoe attempts to bargain with Sinner on a potential rematch at the US Open

Italian tennis superstar Jannik Sinner lifted the Cincinnati Open title on Monday, defeating Frances Tiafoe in the final and prompting the American to jokingly ask for a different outcome should they cross paths at the upcoming US Open.

Sinner looked superb during the tournament, but had a difficult time overcoming Tiafoe in the first set of the final. After prevailing in a close tiebreak, the World No.1 dominated the second set to secure a 7-6(4) 6-2 victory and secure his second ATP Masters 1000 title of the season.

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Tiafoe looks ahead to the US Open

Although he was unable to win the biggest title of his career, Tiafoe remained in good spirits after the match. The Maryland native had high praise for Sinner, and acknowledged the World No.1's amazing feats this season. Furthermore, Tiafoe jokingly asked his Italian opponent to spare him another defeat, should they cross paths at the upcoming US Open.

"Thank you Cincinnati for an incredible week," said Tiafoe. "Congratulations to Jannik Sinner, it's fantastic what you've done this season, you're number 1, congratulations to your team. Well done! And I also thank my team: you know how difficult the start of the season was: thank you for being with me.
"If we face each other again in New York, don't beat me! I wish you the best for New York, he said addressing the champion from Melbourne, but really if we were to face each other again at the US Open, don't do what you did today to me."