Cincinnati Open: Jannik Sinner to face Carlos Alcaraz in final

Jannik Sinner will play Carlos Alcaraz in a final for the fourth time this season after both players secured straight-sets wins in their Cincinnati Open semi-finals.

Defending champion Sinner, celebrating his 24th birthday, did not face a break point in a 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 win over Terence Atmane.

Alcaraz won 6-4 6-3 against an ailing Alexander Zverev, who struggled in the heat and humidity.

The Spaniard has come out on top in two of their three finals this season - in Rome and Roland Garros - while Sinner was victorious at Wimbledon in July.

Alcaraz edged a tight first set against Zverev, breaking the German's serve just once and saving three break points.

Zverev began to struggle physically in the second and left the court for a medical timeout after three games.

When he returned the 28-year-old, who struggled with his breathing during his quarter-final win over Ben Shelton, was unable to properly move around court.

He was able to finish the match, but was very much going through the motions as Alcaraz won the final 12 points to seal the win.

"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."

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