Cincinnati, USA:
Top-ranked Jannik Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz will face off in the Cincinnati Open final on Monday, setting up their fourth high-stakes meeting of the season.
Sinner, the defending champion, celebrated his 24th birthday in style by defeating French qualifier Terence Atmane 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 in the semifinal. Alcaraz booked his spot with a solid 6-4, 6-3 win over Alexander Zverev, despite the German struggling physically during the second set.
This will be Sinner and Alcaraz’s latest chapter in their fast-growing rivalry, having already clashed in Rome, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon this season. Sinner came out on top in their most recent encounter at Wimbledon last month.
Jannik Sinner & Carlos Alcaraz will face each other in the Cincinnati final.
The matchup tennis fans were hoping for.
Carlos leads the head to head 8-5.
Jannik won their most recent meeting at the Wimbledon final.
Jannik has won 26 consecutive matches on hard courts & 21… pic.twitter.com/jptXfVFkBp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 17, 2025
Sinner Chasing Back-to-Back Titles
Sinner has yet to drop a set this week and is eyeing a historic achievement becoming the first player since Roger Federer (2014–15) to win back-to-back titles in Cincinnati.
“It’s a very, very tough challenge every time you play a new opponent,” Sinner said after the match. “In the later stages of the tournament, the pressure is on, but they deserve to be there.”
Before stepping on court, Atmane gifted Sinner a Pokémon card as a birthday present, but the Italian showed no generosity during the match. Sinner’s experience proved decisive in the first-set tiebreak, before he broke Atmane twice in the second set to seal victory.
“My experience helped in the first set,” Sinner reflected. “I focused on my usual play and adapted to his style, which worked well today. My goal has always been the US Open, but we’ve worked hard here, in the gym and in practice. I just hope to be ready for New York.”
The win extended Sinner’s dominance over French opponents, marking his 22nd consecutive victory against players from France since May 2021.
Alcaraz Pushes Through Against Zverev
Alcaraz, who fell to Novak Djokovic in last year’s Cincinnati final, will get another shot at the title after overcoming Zverev in straight sets.
The Spaniard secured an early break to take the opening set 6-4. But midway through the second, Zverev who has diabetes began feeling unwell and left the court for a medical timeout after the third game. Though he returned, Alcaraz took control, winning the last 12 points of the match.
“We started well with good rallies and a good level,” Alcaraz said. “All of a sudden he felt bad and I was thinking more about how he was feeling instead of playing good tennis. It was tough, and I just wish him all the best.”
Final booked 🎟️@carlosalcaraz reaches his second Cincinnati final and will face his great rival Sinner for all the marbles! @CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/SAtFBPDNVc
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 17, 2025
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The 22-year-old, now leading the ATP Tour with 53 match wins this season, is determined to avenge his Wimbledon loss to Sinner.
“We always bring our best tennis. We raise each other’s level. I’m ready to take the challenge,” Alcaraz said. “I will try and adjust my game and correct what I did wrong in our last match. Mentally, I’ll be ready I’m excited for Monday.”
With both players in top form, the Cincinnati final promises another thrilling clash between two of tennis’s brightest stars. Sinner is aiming for his second consecutive title at the event, while Alcaraz looks to claim his sixth trophy of the year and his first in Cincinnati.
