Top-ranked Jannik Sinner secured his first Cincinnati Open title on Monday. The Italian, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Friday, defeated American Frances Tiafoe with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-2. This victory makes Sinner the youngest Cincinnati champion since Andy Murray, who won the title at the age of 21 in 2008.
“I’m very happy to be in the position where I am,” Sinner said. “I’m just trying to keep going this way mentally. It’s important to recover to be ready for New York. That’s the most important thing.”
The US Open is set to commence on August 26 in New York.
Both Sinner and Tiafoe were competing in their first Cincinnati finals, with their previous best results being third-round finishes. Tiafoe managed to force a tiebreak in the first set, but he ultimately fell 7-6 after making three consecutive errors.
In the second set, Sinner took a 5-1 lead. Although Tiafoe saved three match points to bring the score to 5-2, Sinner served out for the win.
Tiafoe’s route to the final was notable for its challenges. He won the first set of his quarterfinal match on Saturday before Hubert Hurkacz retired due to a calf injury. Tiafoe then saved two match points in a three-set victory over Holger Rune in the semifinals.
The Cincinnati Open title has not been claimed by an American man since Andy Roddick in 2006.
