(Cincinnati) The favorite Jannik Sinner beat the American Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (4) and 6-2 in the final of the Cincinnati Open on Monday.
Sinner, who turned 23 on Friday, became the youngest champion of the tournament since 2008, when Andy Murray won at age 21.
“I’m very happy,” said the Italian winner. “I’m just trying to keep the right mindset. It’s important to recover and be ready for New York. That’s what matters most.”
ATP number 1, Sinner obtained a fifth title in 2024.
The US Open will begin on August 26.
Sinner and Tiafoe had both reached the tournament final for the first time.
Sinner led 5-1 in the second set, then his rival won the next game after saving three match points. Sinner then closed the books on serve.
Tiafoe occupies the 20e men’s tennis echelon.
There hasn’t been an American champion in Cincinnati since Andy Roddick in 2006.
Earlier on Monday, Croatian Mate Pavic and Salvadoran Marcelo Arevalo won the men’s doubles title.
PHOTO MIKE SEGAR, REUTERS ARCHIVES
Mate Pavic
Fourth-seeded Pavic and Arevalo beat Americans Mackenzie McDonald and Alex Michelsen 6-2, 6-4.
This is a fourth title this season for the pair, following their victories in Hong Kong, Geneva and the French Open.