The top-ranked player, Jannik Sinner, dominated Felix Auger-Aliassime with a score of 6-0, 6-2, advancing effortlessly to the Cincinnati Open’s semi-final stage.
Auger-Aliassime previously held a 2-0 advantage in their head-to-head record from 2022, a fact Sinner seemed keen to address as he aggressively aimed to revise his standing against the Canadian player.
The Italian athlete, boasting four Grand Slam titles since their last encounter at this very tournament three years prior, meticulously dismantled Auger-Aliassime’s gameplay, securing the initial set in a swift 27 minutes.
A visibly shaken Auger-Aliassime committed consecutive double faults, leading to the concession of the first set where he managed to secure a mere nine points.
The world’s 28th-ranked player finally marked his presence on the scoreboard when Sinner’s double fault – following which the 23-year-old Wimbledon victor was observed briefly walking with a slight limp – granted Auger-Aliassime the opening game of the second set.
Subsequently, Auger-Aliassime maintained his serve for the first instance, elevating his score to 2-0; however, this brief momentum was short-lived as his 25-year-old adversary seized control for the remainder of the set.
“I felt my return game was particularly strong,” Sinner commented. “That was a crucial aspect, instilling confidence in my serve.”
“There was a slight dip in my performance during the second set when he achieved a break. I’m pleased that I quickly regained the break. Overall, I felt I displayed some excellent tennis.”
Sinner’s next challenge will be against Terence Atmane, the French qualifier who surprisingly defeated seventh-seeded Holger Rune in straight sets.
The 23-year-old triumphed over the Danish player, ranked ninth globally, with a score of 6-2, 6-3.
Atmane, a left-handed player holding the 136th rank worldwide, is the first qualifier in a decade to reach the Cincinnati men’s semi-finals.
“I’m not sure words can adequately describe my current emotions,” Atmane expressed, noting that he had only secured one victory out of four tour-level matches this year prior to the Ohio tournament.
“[Advancing to the semi-finals] also comes with a significant financial reward for me, which will greatly benefit my career. It holds immense significance for me, and I’m deeply moved by it.”
