[ad_1]
Jannik Sinner ended his losing streak on Sunday by defeating Alexander Zverev 7-6 (11/9), 5-7, 7-6 (7/4) to advance to the final of the Cincinnati Open against American Frances Tiafoe.
The world number one has lost four straight matches to Zverev, with his only win over the German coming at Roland Garros four years ago.
The semifinal lasted more than three hours, not including rain interruptions.
Play was halted for nearly 30 minutes midway through the first-set tie-break as a shower hit the area — another manifestation of the inclement weather that has plagued the tournament in recent days.
Sinner saved two set points from Zverev and won the opening match on his third chance, but after losing an early break, he was broken again in the 12th game when he hit an overhead shot into the net and ultimately lost the second set.
The third set went into a tiebreak, with Sinner leading 5-2 and winning on his second match point.
“It was a tough race and a very good race,” said the Italian. “We raced in different weather conditions: sunny, rainy and then at night.
“We were both very nervous. I’m happy with my performance and I’m glad to be in the final.”
Sinner has been chasing his first title since winning the Halle grass tournament two months ago.
“I have to play by instinct, which I feel is my strength,” said the 23-year-old. “We had some ups and downs in three hours.”
“I couldn’t have played a better preparation match than this,” he added, looking ahead to the U.S. Open, which starts in eight days.
Sinner, who was recently forced to miss the Olympics due to hip problems, illness and tonsillitis, said he needed to stay healthy.
“If I want to win more important matches, I have to stay in better shape. I stayed mentally strong today; I’m proud of that.”
Sinner will be playing in his fifth career Masters 1000 final.
– Crazy –
Tiafoe came from 5-2 down in the final set to defeat Danish 15th seed Holger Rune 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/4).
Tiafoe, the first American male player to reach the final since John Isner in 2013, saved two match points in his comeback win.
He will move into the world’s top 20, joining four compatriots in the strongest showing by the United States since 1997.
“It was crazy, the last set was crazy,” Tiafoe said. “It got easier at the end, but you just have to take your chances.”
“I was lucky and a couple of my shots hit the net, which made a big difference. I fought hard in the tie-break and he was a little nervous. One thing led to another and that’s how we met.”
[ad_2]
Source link
