Tennis world number one, Jannik Sinner, survived a scare from Andrey Rublev before winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 on Saturday, August 17, to advance to the semifinal of the 2024 Cincinnati Open.
Sinner previously lost to Rublev 3-6, 6-1, 2-6 in the quarterfinals of the recently concluded 2024 Canadian ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal, which was won by Novak Djokovic.
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In a thrilling encounter, Sinner rallied and pipped the Russian after losing the first set 4-6, securing 7-5 and 6-4 victories in the second and third sets, respectively.
During a post-match interview, as reported by the ATP Tour, Sinner attributed his success to the use of mental strength.
“It took a lot of mental strength today,” said Sinner. “It was very tough conditions, very windy. In the first set, he started very well, and I didn’t play my best tennis, but in the second set, I felt I had a lot of chances. I waited for my chance. I am very happy to make the semis.”
Sinner’s victory raises his hopes of winning his third ATP Masters 1000 title and his first trophy since claiming the ATP 500 in Halle on grass in June.
By Dotun Omisakin
Photo Credit: APT Tours
