Cincinnati Open ATP: Carlos Alcaraz to face defending champion Jannik Sinner in closing
World primary Jannik Sinner and scorching rival Carlos Alcaraz will face off in a serious closing for the fourth time this season after each booked straight-set wins into the title match on the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open on Saturday (August 16, 2025).
Defending champion Sinner ruthlessly subdued 136th-ranked qualifier Terence Atmane 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 whereas Spanish second seed Alcaraz defeated an ailing Alexander Zverev, who was struggling badly from the 32 Celsius warmth and humidity, by 6-4, 6-3.
Alcaraz and Sinner have performed for trophies this season in Rome, Roland Garros and Wimbledon, with the Italian successful their most up-to-date on the All England Membership final month.
Sinner, celebrating his twenty fourth birthday, ended Frenchman Atmane’s dream run and can now attempt to turn into the primary man since Roger Federer in 2014-15 to win back-to-back titles in Cincinnati.
Sinner, tuning up for the US Open in his first match since successful Wimbledon, hasn’t dropped a set en path to the ultimate.
“It’s a really, very powerful problem each time you play a brand new opponent,” Sinner stated. “Within the later levels of the match,the stress is on, they should be there.”
Alcaraz may also be enjoying in his second Cincy closing after shedding to Novak Djokovic in 2023.
The Spaniard elevated his ATP season match win result in 53 in a yr of 5 titles.
Alcaraz broke Zverev as soon as within the opening set to say it earlier than the German, who’s diabetic, started feeling poorly and took a medical timeout off court docket after the third sport of the second set.
Zverev, who has retired in solely two matches since 2014, got here again out to complete what was a patchy match from Alcaraz, who double-faulted for occasions within the second sport of the second set however received the final 12 factors with Zverev operating on fumes.
“We began effectively with good rallies, a very good stage,” Alcaraz stated. “Rapidly he felt unhealthy and I used to be considering extra about how he was feeling as a substitute of enjoying good tennis.
“It was powerful and I simply want him all the very best.”
Alcaraz stated he’s eager to attempt to take his Wimbledon revenge on Sinner within the unorthodox Monday closing.
“We all the time carry our greatest tennis. We increase one another’s stage. I’m able to take the problem,” Alcaraz stated.
“I’ll attempt to modify my sport higher and proper what I did unsuitable in our final match. I need to be prepared with my 100%. Mentally I’ll be prepared — I’m excited for Monday.”
‘Strain was on me’
Atmane gave birthday boy Sinner a Pokemon card shortly earlier than they went on court docket, however he was in a much less giving temper as soon as they had been underway.
However Sinner surrendered simply three factors in his first six service video games as they went to the tiebreaker with neither man dealing with a break level.
Atmane double faulted on the primary level of the decider and Sinner was away, powering to a 5-2 lead and pocketing the set at his second alternative.
“My expertise helped within the first set,” he stated. “I’m very glad to undergo to a different closing.
“I attempted to deal with myself, how I often play, after which attempt to adapt a little bit bit to his sport model,” Sinner stated. “And that’s precisely what I did right now.
“The stress was on me. That’s regular within the place the place I’m in — he was able to combat.”
“My aim has all the time been the US Open, However we’ve got put within the work right here, within the gymnasium and in follow. I simply hope to be prepared for New York.”
Sinner confirmed a primary signal of vulnerability as he wanted 5 sport factors to carry serve within the opening sport of the second set.
However that was the closest look Atmane obtained at his serve, and Sinner broke the Frenchman for a 3-1 lead and once more to seal the match.
Atmane, who’s projected to crack the highest 70 on the earth rankings, grew to become Sinner’s twenty second straight French sufferer since Might 2021, when he misplaced to Arthur Rinderknech in Lyon.
Revealed – August 17, 2025 09:23 am IST
