Jannik Sinner poses with the Cincinnati Open 2024 trophy after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the final, securing his fifth title of the season. © Twitter (@TunedIntoTennis)
Cincinnati, OH – Jannik Sinner, the world’s No. 1 tennis player, demonstrated both his remarkable talent and steely resolve as he claimed the Cincinnati Open title, overcoming home favorite Frances Tiafoe in straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-2. The victory adds another prestigious ATP Masters 1000 trophy to Sinner’s collection, marking his fifth title of the 2024 season and solidifying his status as the player to beat heading into the US Open.
For Sinner, this week in Cincinnati was not just about showcasing his top-tier tennis skills but also about proving his mental toughness. After battling through two grueling three-set matches against Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev in the quarterfinals and semifinals, the 23-year-old Italian entered the final with a hip issue that had visibly affected his movement throughout the tournament. Despite the physical setback, Jannik Sinner delivered a performance that was as much about determination as it was about shot-making.
“It was a very difficult week, a tough week,” Sinner said in his on-court interview. “I’m very happy about today’s match. It was very tough mentally. We both were quite tired from yesterday and felt much tension. But I’m very glad about my level today, especially in the important moments.”
The Final: A Test of Nerves
The final against Frances Tiafoe, who had the backing of the home crowd and momentum from a thrilling semifinal win over Holger Rune, began with both players showing signs of fatigue. The first set was a closely contested affair, with neither player able to break serve. Sinner’s hip appeared to be a factor, as he occasionally limped between points. Yet, when it mattered most, the top seed found another gear, producing precise and powerful shots to take the tiebreak 7-4.
Sinner’s composure in the tiebreak was pivotal. He struck a series of unreturnable forehands that left Tiafoe scrambling. The Italian’s ability to elevate his game in pressure moments has set him apart this season, and the Cincinnati final was no exception.
Sinner’s Domination in the Second Set
The second set saw Sinner take full control. A forehand error from Tiafoe in the first game handed Sinner the break, and from there, the American struggled to keep pace with his opponent’s relentless baseline assault. Sinner’s forehand, in particular, was a weapon of mass destruction, with multiple winners down the line that elicited gasps from the crowd. The match ended in just one hour and 37 minutes, with Sinner sealing the victory and further cementing his dominance in 2024.
“It has been a tough week, with some ups and downs, which is normal,” Sinner said. “But I’m very happy with how I handled the important moments in each match.”
A Year to Remember
At just 23, Sinner’s 2024 season has been extraordinary. The Cincinnati Open title is his fifth of the year, following victories in Melbourne, Rotterdam, Miami, and Halle. Notably, he is the only player this year to have won two ATP Masters 1000 titles, underscoring his consistency and ability to deliver on the biggest stages.
Sinner’s meteoric rise to the top of the ATP Rankings only adds to his growing legend. His triumph in Ohio also makes him the youngest men’s champion at this tournament since Andy Murray in 2008, when the Brit won at 21.
With the Cincinnati Open trophy now in his hands, Sinner’s focus shifts to the US Open, the year’s final Grand Slam. Having already secured his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, the Italian star will be eager to add another major title to his résumé.
“Now, for sure, it’s important to recover and be ready for New York,” Sinner said. “This is our main goal here for this US swing.”
As the tennis world shifts its focus to Flushing Meadows, Jannik Sinner, the rising Italian star, is set to capture everyone’s attention. His recent triumph in Cincinnati adds another remarkable achievement to what is shaping into a long and successful career.
