Sinner seals the deal: Triumphs over Zverev to reach Cincinnati Open final

Jannik Sinner ended his losing streak against Alexander Zverev with a 7-6(9), 5-7, 7-6(4) victory, advancing to the final of the Cincinnati Open. The World No. 1 kept his composure during the most intense moments and will be aiming for his third Masters 1000 title on Monday.

The German led their head-to-head 4-1 and had won their last four consecutive meetings, the most recent being a five-set battle in the Round of 16 at the US Open. This time, Sinner secured the win in straight sets and will play his fifth final of the year (4-0 so far).

At the start of the match, Zverev (No. 4) secured a break in the third game, giving him some comfort from the outset. The German had strong service games and maintained the lead for most of the set, reaching a 5-3 advantage, but he couldn’t hold onto it and lost his serve in the 10th game, allowing Sinner to level the set at 5-5.

Zverev achieved a higher first serve percentage with 71% compared to Sinner's 58%. However, the World No. 1 was more effective, leading in points won on both first and second serves. The set would ultimately be decided in a tie-break after more than an hour of play. Both players had secured a mini-break when the chair umpire decided to halt the match due to light rain, with Sinner leading 3-2 at that moment.

After the delay, Zverev had two set points, both of which Sinner saved with precise shots on the lines, prompting Zverev to request a call review. The Italian also wasted two set points, but eventually claimed the set 7-6 (11-9).

As in the first set, Zverev got the first break, this time in the fourth game, but the joy was short-lived as he didn’t win a single point in his next service game, allowing Sinner to break back with a clean sweep. At times, the German appeared visibly frustrated as his errors mounted, especially from his backhand, which is usually one of his strengths (4 winners and 17 unforced errors). Just when it seemed everything would go to another tie-break, Sinner gave Zverev a couple of break opportunities, and Zverev ultimately took the set 7-5, pushing the match to a third set.

It was a tight third set, where Sinner was dominant with 83% of service points won, though Zverev also gave little opportunity to his opponent with 67% of first serve points won. Neither managed to secure a break point, and everything was decided in the tie-break.

An error at the net by Zverev and an incredible forehand down the line by Sinner marked the end of the tight match, which concluded with the World No. 1’s victory 7-6(9), 5-7, 7-6(4). Jannik Sinner reaches 30 wins against top-10 players (16th against a top-5), while he awaits his opponent in the title match, which will be determined by the winner of the clash between Holger Rune (No. 16) and Frances Tiafoe (No. 28).