Cincinnati, Aug 17: Carlos Alcaraz advanced to his seventh consecutive tour-level final by beating an ailing Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-3 at the Cincinnati Open. The victory set up a final showdown with Jannik Sinner, a rematch of the Rome, Roland Garros and Wimbledon title matches this season.
At 22 years and three months, Alcaraz is the third-youngest player to reach nine Masters 1000 finals after Rafael Nadal (20) and Novak Djokovic (21), according to ATP stats.
Through to his ninth ATP Masters 1000 final (7-1) and first on hard courts since he claimed the Indian Wells crown last year, Alcaraz extended his winning streak to 16 matches at that prestigious level on the heels of his title runs in Monte-Carlo and Rome.
Earlier, defending champion Sinner delivered a rock-solid display to triumph 7-6(4), 6-2 and reach his eighth ATP Masters 1000 final, Ending the dream run of World No. 136 Terence Atmane.
With his 86-minute victory, the world No. 1 recorded his 200th tour-level win on hard courts and extended his win streak on the surface to 26 matches.
Despite defeat, Atmane surged 67 spots to a new career-high No. 69 in the ATP Live Rankings. The 23-year-old is next scheduled to compete in the qualifying event for the US Open, which begins Monday.
“It’s never easy playing against someone that you know is not feeling 100%. It’s even tougher when it comes from Sascha, such a great player, such a great person off the court. We have a really good relationship,” said Alcaraz.
“We started well with good rallies, a good level. All of a sudden he felt bad and I was thinking more about how he was feeling instead of playing good tennis. It was tough and I just wish him all the best.”
On renewing his rivalry with Sinner, Alcaraz added: “We always bring our best tennis. We raise each other’s level. I’m ready to take the challenge.
“I will try and adjust my game better and correct what I did wrong in our last match. I want to be ready with my 100%. Mentally I’ll be ready – I’m excited for Monday.” (Agencies)
