Cincinnati, August 17, 2025 — World No.1 Jannik Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz will meet in the championship clash of the Cincinnati Open after both scored straight-set semifinal victories on Saturday.
Sinner, celebrating his 24th birthday, defeated French qualifier Terence Atmane 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 to extend his unbeaten run in the tournament. Meanwhile, Alcaraz overcame Germany’s Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-3 to book his place in the final.
A Rivalry Renewed
The Cincinnati final will mark the fourth meeting between Sinner and Alcaraz this season. They have already battled in Rome, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon, with Sinner winning their most recent encounter at the All England Club.
Sinner, who has not dropped a set en route to the final, is bidding to become the first man since Roger Federer (2014–15) to win consecutive Cincinnati titles. “In the later stages of the tournament, the pressure is on, but I just focused on my game and adapted well today,” Sinner said after the win.
Alcaraz Battles Through
For Alcaraz, this will be his second Cincinnati final, after finishing runner-up to Novak Djokovic in 2023. He now leads the ATP Tour in match wins this season with 53 and is chasing his sixth title of 2025.
The Spaniard broke Zverev early in the match but faced a brief pause when the German, who is diabetic, felt unwell and needed a medical timeout. Despite a few shaky moments — including four double faults in one game — Alcaraz finished strong, winning the last 12 points of the match.
“We always bring out the best in each other. I’m ready to take the challenge and fix what I did wrong at Wimbledon. Mentally I’ll be prepared — I’m excited for Monday,” the 22-year-old said, looking ahead to the final against Sinner.
Birthday Clash for the Title
Adding a lighter touch, Atmane gifted Sinner a Pokémon card before their semifinal, but once on court, the Italian showed no mercy. Sinner’s experience proved crucial in the tiebreak and he went on to dominate the second set.
Atmane, who is projected to break into the world’s top 70, became Sinner’s 22nd straight French opponent to fall since May 2021.
The Cincinnati final between Sinner and Alcaraz is scheduled for Monday, setting up yet another chapter in what is fast becoming one of tennis’s defining rivalries.
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