By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will face off in a major final for the fourth time this season after both booked straight-set wins into the title match at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open.
Defending champion Sinner, celebrating his 24th birthday, did not face a break point in a 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 win over Terence Atmane.
“My experience helped in the first set,” he said. “I’m very happy to go through to another final.
“I tried to focus on myself, how I usually play, and then try to adapt a little bit to his game style,” Sinner said. “And that’s exactly what I did today.
“The pressure was on me. That’s normal in the position where I am in – he was ready to fight.”
“My goal has always been the US Open, But we have put in the work here, in the gym and in practice. I just hope to be ready for New York.”
Alcaraz won 6-4 6-3 against an ailing Alexander Zverev, who struggled in the heat and humidity.
“It’s never easy playing against someone that you know is not feeling 100%. It’s even tougher when it comes from Sascha, such a great player, such a great person off the court. We have a really good relationship,” said Alcaraz.
“We started well with good rallies, a good level. All of a sudden he felt bad and I was thinking more about how he was feeling instead of playing good tennis.
“It was tough and I just wish him all the best.”
On renewing his rivalry with Sinner, Alcaraz added: “We always bring our best tennis. We raise each other’s level. I’m ready to take the challenge.
The Spaniard has come out on top in two of their three finals this season – in Rome and Roland Garros – while Sinner was victorious at Wimbledon in July.
“I will try and adjust my game better and correct what I did wrong in our last match. I want to be ready with my 100%. Mentally I’ll be ready – I’m excited for Monday.”
The final in Cincinnati takes place on Monday, building up to to the final slam of the year, the US Open from 24 August 2025.