Jannik Sinner broke his losing streak against Alexander Zverev with a hard-fought 7-6(9), 5-7, 7-6(4) victory, advancing to the final of the Cincinnati Open.
The World No. 1 kept his cool during the most intense moments of the match, showing resilience and skill to overcome the German in a marathon three-setter. With this victory, Sinner is now one step closer to securing his third Masters 1000 title and enters his fifth final of the year, where he holds a perfect record of 4-0 so far.
Sinner Finally Breaks Zverev’s Streak
Coming into this match, Zverev had held a 4-1 advantage in their head-to-head, including four consecutive wins. Their most recent clash at the US Open had been a grueling five-set battle, but this time, Sinner was determined to flip the script. The Italian showed great mental toughness and composure to edge out Zverev in key moments and book his spot in the Cincinnati Open final.
First Set: A Battle of Margins
The match began with Zverev breaking Sinner’s serve in the third game, allowing the German to take an early lead and put pressure on the World No. 1. Zverev, ranked No. 4, had a solid start, relying on his powerful serves and groundstrokes to keep Sinner on the back foot. He soon found himself with a 5-3 advantage, and it seemed like he would be able to close out the set.
However, Sinner was not to be underestimated. The Italian refused to let the set slip away, breaking back in the 10th game to level the score at 5-5. Although Zverev had a higher first serve percentage—71% compared to Sinner’s 58%—the World No. 1 was more effective on both first and second serve points, which helped him stay competitive despite the early break.
With neither player able to establish a significant lead, the set inevitably went to a tie-break. Both men exchanged mini-breaks, but as the tie-break progressed, the chair umpire decided to halt the match due to light rain, with Sinner holding a slim 3-2 lead. After the delay, Zverev had two set points, but Sinner saved both with pinpoint accuracy, painting the lines with precise shots that forced Zverev to request a review.
Despite Zverev’s efforts, Sinner saved two more set points and eventually closed out the tie-break 11-9 to claim the first set. It was a tense, nerve-wracking affair that set the tone for the rest of the match.
Second Set: Zverev Strikes Back
Much like the first set, Zverev gained the upper hand early in the second, breaking Sinner in the fourth game to take a 3-1 lead. It looked as though the German would ride the momentum to a quick set win, but Sinner responded immediately, breaking back in the next game without dropping a single point.
As the match progressed, Zverev started showing signs of frustration, particularly with his backhand, which is usually one of his biggest weapons. While he hit four winners off that wing, he also committed 17 unforced errors, a stat that highlighted his inconsistency throughout the match.
Just when it seemed like the second set might also head to a tie-break, Sinner faltered at a crucial moment. The Italian gave Zverev two break opportunities at 5-5, and the German capitalized, breaking Sinner’s serve to take the set 7-5 and level the match at one set apiece. The stage was set for a thrilling third set, with both players showing moments of brilliance and vulnerability.
Third Set: A Battle of Wills
The third set was a tight affair, with both players holding serve comfortably for the most part. Sinner was especially dominant on serve, winning 83% of his service points, while Zverev managed a respectable 67% of first serve points won. Both players refused to give their opponent any chances, and no break points were generated throughout the set.
With the tension rising, it became clear that the match would be decided by another tie-break. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as both men looked to gain the upper hand in the final moments of the contest.
In the tie-break, Sinner capitalized on a crucial error by Zverev at the net, which gave him the mini-break he needed. The Italian then unleashed an incredible forehand down the line, securing his lead and putting himself in a commanding position. Zverev tried to mount a comeback, but Sinner held his nerve and closed out the tie-break 7-4, sealing a 7-6(9), 5-7, 7-6(4) victory.
A Milestone Victory for Sinner
This win was particularly significant for Sinner, as it marked his 30th career victory against a top-10 opponent, and his 16th win against a top-5 player. More importantly, it was a testament to his growth as a player. He managed to maintain his composure in high-pressure situations and executed his game plan effectively, especially during the two tie-breaks that decided the match.
Sinner’s victory also ended Zverev’s dominance in their head-to-head matchups, signaling that the Italian is ready to challenge the very best on the biggest stages. It was a mentally and physically exhausting contest, but Sinner showed why he is regarded as one of the most promising talents in the sport.
Looking Ahead: The Cincinnati Final
With his place in the final secured, Sinner now awaits the winner of the other semi-final between Holger Rune (No. 16) and Frances Tiafoe (No. 28). Regardless of who emerges victorious, Sinner will be confident heading into the final, having already claimed four titles this year.
The Cincinnati Open final represents an opportunity for Sinner to win his third Masters 1000 title and solidify his status as one of the top players in the world. If he can maintain the level of play he displayed against Zverev, there’s no doubt that he will be a formidable force in the final.
🇮🇹 The first Italian man to reach the Cincinnati final in the Open Era 🇮🇹#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/j49AcDUFHH
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 19, 2024
Jannik Sinner’s victory over Alexander Zverev was a showcase of mental fortitude, tactical brilliance, and sheer determination. By breaking his losing streak against the German and advancing to the Cincinnati Open final, Sinner has proven that he can compete with and defeat the best in the game. As he gears up for the final, all eyes will be on the Italian to see if he can continue his winning streak and add another prestigious title to his rapidly growing resume.
