World No. 1 Jannik Sinner showcased his resilience and skill as he defeated Frances Tiafoe 7-6(4), 6-2 in the Cincinnati Open final on Monday. Despite recent health struggles, the 23-year-old Italian proved he remains a formidable force ahead of the upcoming U.S. Open in New York.
Sinner, who has been grappling with a hip issue over the past couple of months and missed the Paris Olympics due to tonsillitis, began the match with uncharacteristic errors and appeared to be in discomfort, limping after several points in the tightly contested first set.
However, he regained his composure during the tiebreak, effectively countering the American’s powerful serves. On set point, Tiafoe’s shot sailed long, allowing Sinner to clinch the opener.
Tiafoe, seeking to find momentum in a challenging season, was unable to capitalize on three break point opportunities in the first set. The missed chances proved costly as he fell into a 2-0 deficit at the start of the second set, a gap he could not bridge.
Sinner intensified his performance, firing a forehand winner up the line to take a commanding 4-1 lead. He sealed his victory with an unreturnable serve on match point, earning his fifth title of the year and his first at the Masters 1000 event in Ohio.
“It’s been a tough few months, but I’ve worked hard to get back to this level,” Sinner said after the match. “Winning here means a lot, and I’m looking forward to carrying this momentum into the U.S. Open.”
Sinner’s triumph not only underscores his return to top form but also positions him as a key contender in New York. His Grand Slam breakthrough at the Australian Open in January set the tone for a remarkable season, and his recent victory solidifies his standing in the tennis world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
