The Cincinnati Open will once again play host to one of tennis’s most electric modern rivalries. On Sunday, both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz powered through their semifinal matches in straight sets, setting up a blockbuster final — their fourth meeting in a championship match this season.
Sinner’s Birthday Celebration
Defending champion Sinner marked his 24th birthday in style, dispatching France’s Terence Atmane 7-6 (7-4), 6-2. It was a clinical performance from the Italian, who didn’t face a single break point throughout the contest. After a tight opening-set tiebreak, Sinner found his rhythm and accelerated through the second set, looking every bit the reigning Cincinnati king.
Alcaraz Advances as Zverev Falters
On the other side of the draw, Carlos Alcaraz was in command against Alexander Zverev, but the German’s physical struggles tilted the match decisively. In sweltering heat and humidity, Zverev initially pushed the Spaniard, forcing three break points in the first set. But Alcaraz held firm, breaking once to claim it 6-4.
From there, Zverev’s condition deteriorated. Already drained from his quarterfinal win over Ben Shelton, the world No. 5 took a medical timeout after just three games in the second set. He returned, but was clearly unable to move freely, allowing Alcaraz to reel off the final 12 points for a 6-4, 6-3 victory.
“It’s never easy playing against someone who’s not feeling 100%,” Alcaraz said. “Especially Sascha — he’s such a great player and a great person. I was more worried about how he was feeling than about playing good tennis. I just wish him all the best.”
Rivalry Renewed: Alcaraz vs. Sinner
With Zverev out of the picture, all eyes now turn to Monday’s final. Alcaraz and Sinner have met in three finals this year already, producing a series of instant classics. The Spaniard triumphed in Rome and Roland Garros, while Sinner got his revenge at Wimbledon in July.
“We always bring our best tennis,” Alcaraz said of the rivalry. “We raise each other’s level. I’ll try to adjust, correct what I did wrong in our last match, and be ready at 100%. Mentally I’ll be prepared — I’m really excited for this final.”
For Sinner, it’s a chance to defend his title and reassert his dominance after Alcaraz’s Roland Garros win. For Alcaraz, it’s an opportunity to tilt the 2025 rivalry back in his favor. Either way, Cincinnati is set for a spectacular finale between two of the sport’s brightest stars.