Jannik Sinner plays Carlos Alcaraz in a final for the fourth time this season after both players win straight sets in their Cincinnati Open Semi final.
Defending champion Sinner, who celebrated his 24th birthday, was not in front of a breaking point in a 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 victory over Terence Atmane.
Alcaraz won 6-4 6-3 against a distressed Alexander Zverev, struggling in the heat and humidity.
This season, the Spaniard came in two of their three finals – in Rome and Roland Garros – while Sinner was the victory in Wimbledon in July.
Alcaraz concluded a tight first set against Zverev, broke the German only once and saved three breakpoints.
Zverev started to wrestle physically in the second and left the court for a medical time -out after three games.
When he returned the 28-year-old, who struggled with his breathing during his quarterfinals, he could not go through the court well.
He was able to finish the game, but was very much because of the movements when Alcaraz won the last 12 points to seal the victory.
“It is never easy to play against someone you know it doesn’t feel 100%. It is even more difficult when it comes from Sascha, such a great player, such a great person outside the field. We have a really good relationship,” said Alcaraz.
“We started well with good meetings, a good level. Suddenly he felt bad and I thought more about it about how he felt like playing good tennis.
“It was difficult and I just wish him the very best.”
When renewing his rivalry with sinner, Alcaraz added: “We always bring our best tennis. We increase each other’s level. I am ready to take on the challenge.
“I will try to better adjust my game and correct what I did wrong in our last game. I want to be ready with my 100%. I am ready – I am enthusiastic for Monday.”
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