Milan, August 17 (LaPresse) – Jannik Sinner advances to the final of the Cincinnati Masters 1000 and will defend his title as reigning champion. In the semifinals, the world number one prevailed in straight sets 7-6, 6-2 over Frenchman Terence Atmane, the talented world number 136, and celebrated his 24th birthday with his 200th ATP victory on hard courts.
On Monday, the South Tyrolean will face Carlos Alcaraz in the final, after the Spaniard defeated German Sasha Zverev 6-4, 6-3. It will be a rematch of their recent Grand Slam finals: the Roland Garros, won by the heir of Rafa Nadal, and Wimbledon, where the Italian triumphed on grass.
"It was a tough match, every time you face an unknown opponent it's challenging. But playing this kind of player in the final rounds is even more difficult – the pressure rises," said Sinner in his post-match interview after beating Atman, who had eliminated Holger Rune and Taylor Fritz in earlier rounds.
"He beat great players and deserved his spot in the semifinals – he can do everything well. I knew I had to be very focused, and I think I managed the situation well. I served very well in the first set. I’m happy to be in the final again, let's see how it goes."
"Our goal here, ahead of the US Open," Sinner concluded, "was to get match time while also working in the gym to be ready for New York. Tomorrow will be a more relaxed day."