World number one Jannik Sinner defeated Frances Tiafoe 7-6(4), 6-2 in the Cincinnati Open final, demonstrating that despite recent health challenges, he remains a top contender for the upcoming U.S. Open in New York. The 23-year-old, who has been dealing with a hip issue and missed the Paris Olympics due to tonsillitis, started the match with some errors and appeared to be limping after several points in the closely contested first set.
However, Sinner found his rhythm in the tiebreak, effectively countering Tiafoe’s powerful serve on set point. Tiafoe’s next shot went long, allowing the Italian to take the first set.
Tiafoe, who has struggled to gain momentum and secure wins this season, missed three break point opportunities in the first set and quickly fell behind 2-0 in the second set, a deficit from which he could not recover.
Sinner sealed his victory with a forehand winner up the line for a 4-1 lead in the second set and completed the match with an unreturnable serve on match point. This triumph at the Masters 1000 event follows Sinner’s Grand Slam breakthrough at the Australian Open in January and marks his fifth title of the year and his first at the tournament in Ohio.