Cincinnati Open: Alcaraz To Face Sinner In Blockbuster Final

Cincinnati, USA:

The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open, as world number one Jannik Sinner and his fiercest rival, Carlos Alcaraz, will battle for the title in Monday’s final (August 18, 2025).

This will be their fourth final meeting of the season, following high-stakes encounters in Rome, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon where Sinner triumphed most recently at the All England Club.

ATP Cincinnati Open Final 🎾

Jannik Sinner vs Carlos Alcaraz

Set 1 over 9.5 games | -130
Set 1 over 10.5 games | +180
Over 22.5 total games | -130 pic.twitter.com/5NmjSaI9Wo

— Selena (@LuvAtFirstServe) August 18, 2025

Sinner Cruises Into Final on Birthday

Defending champion Sinner, celebrating his 24th birthday, ended French qualifier Terence Atmane’s dream run with a composed 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 victory. The Italian has not dropped a set all week and is now chasing history as he aims to become the first man since Roger Federer (2014–15) to win back-to-back Cincinnati titles.

Atmane, ranked 136th, surprised fans with his spirited run but could not find a way past Sinner’s consistency. Before the match, he even gifted Sinner a Pokémon card, but on court, the birthday generosity ended quickly.

“My experience helped in the first set,” Sinner said. “I tried to focus on my own game and adapt a little to his style. The pressure was on me, but I’m happy to be through to another final.”

Alcaraz Overcomes Zverev in Testing Conditions

Second seed Carlos Alcaraz booked his spot with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Alexander Zverev, who struggled in the sweltering 32°C Cincinnati heat and humidity. The German, managing his diabetes condition, took a medical timeout in the second set but bravely returned to finish the match despite clear discomfort.

Alcaraz admitted the situation was difficult:

“We started with good rallies, good level. All of a sudden he felt bad, and I was thinking more about him than about my own tennis. I just wish him all the best.”

Despite a few shaky moments including four double faults early in the second set Alcaraz closed strongly, winning the final 12 points as Zverev faded. The victory takes Alcaraz’s season match-win tally to 53 and sends him into his second Cincinnati final, after losing to Novak Djokovic in 2023.

Also Read: India’s 15th Man Dilemma: Iyer or Sundar For Asia Cup 2025?

Rivalry Renewed

Sinner and Alcaraz have forged one of the most compelling rivalries in modern tennis, consistently bringing out the best in each other. The Spaniard is eager to avenge his recent Wimbledon loss:

“We always bring our best tennis. We raise each other’s level. I’ll be ready with my 100%. Mentally, I’m excited for Monday.”

For Sinner, the Cincinnati title would further cement his dominance heading into the US Open, his stated season goal. “We’ve put in the work here and in the gym,” he said. “I just hope to be ready for New York.”