Jannik Sinner defeated German Alexander Zverev in three sets 7-6 (11-9), 5-7, 7-6 in the semifinal of the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati.
At the end of an intense and hard-fought match, the world number one took the victory by saving two set points in the tie-break of the first set, interrupted by the rain while the Italian was leading 3-2.
Sinner thus becomes the first Italian to qualify for the Cincinnati final.
He will play his fifth career Masters 1000 final, the second this year after his victory in Miami.
He will face the winner of the other semi-final, between the Danish Rune and the American Tiafoe.
"It was a tough match, exciting and with a great atmosphere," he said at the end of the match. "The conditions were difficult: first sun, then rain and evening session. There was tension for both of us, we made mistakes and then raised the level. Improving the game when it was necessary was my strength today, because I had some ups and downs. I think - Sinner added to Sky - it was a good match for both of us, he served in a crazy way. We put great quality on the court. It's nice to be in the final. It was a very difficult tournament and a little different. This victory for me means a lot regardless of how it ends, I'm happy with this result because I've improved physically. Now I'll try to stay focused and we'll see."
(Unioneonline/vl)
