On Monday, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will meet in the final of the Cincinnati Open, just over one month after their Wimbledon final.
Saturday’s semifinal action from Cincinnati saw Jannik Sinner go blow-for-blow with left-handed French standout Terence Atmane throughout the first set, before convincingly taking the second set 6-2.
Shortly after, Carlos Alcaraz then took the court against world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, edging out a straight set win as Zverev battled against the brutal conditions in Cincinnati.
The two now collide for a 14th time throughout their respective careers, and a fourth time this season.
Heading into Monday’s final, Alcaraz leads the head-to-head 8-5, with a 2-1 record over the Italian star in 2025.
Sinner, of course, picked up a convincing win over the Spaniard the last time the two met, putting an end to Alcaraz’s hopes of three-peating at SW19.
Jannik Sinner Talks Win Over Terence Atmane
After a kindhearted pre-match gesture from Terence Atmane, who gifted Jannik Sinner a Pikachu card for his birthday, the two went blow for blow in the first set, with Atmane rising to the occasion.
In the tiebreak, however, Sinner showed why he’s currently the best player in the world, winning a convincing tiebreak that shifted the momentum of the match.
Following the straight set win, Sinner reflected on the match during his on-court interview with TennisTV:
“(A) very, very tough challenge. Every time you play someone completely new, it’s very difficult. Playing against these guys in the later stages of tournaments makes it even more difficult. The pressure is higher, you know they deserve to be there.”
“He’s beaten incredible players to reach the semifinals. I knew I have to be very careful. My mindset today was in a good spot. I handled the situations on the court very well. He was serving incredibly well the first set. He has huge, huge potential — I think we saw this throughout the tournament. I wish him only the best. From my side I’m very happy to be in the finals again.”
Carlos Alcaraz Reflects on Win Over Alexander Zverev
For Carlos Alcaraz, Saturday’s win over Alexander Zverev comes after a rough 2024 appearance in Cincinnati that saw him handed a second-round exit at the hands of Gael Monfils following a first-round bye.
After an impressive first set from the five time Grand Slam champ, both he and Zverev seemingly began to struggle with the hot, humid conditions in the second.
While Zverev seemed to be teetering on the verge of retiring, a rarity throughout his career, Alcaraz conceded three points in a row thanks to double faults. Despite that, Alcaraz was able to hold on to eventually win the match 6-4, 6-3 as Zverev battled the temperature.
Following the match, Alcaraz wished his opponent well, signing the camera:
“Happy for the final but feeling bad for Sascha (Zverev). Wish you all the best.”
Alcaraz now advances to the final of the Cincinnati Open for just the second time of his career after coming up short against Novak Djokovic in 2023.
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