MASON, OHIO — Jannik Sinner continued his dominant run at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, securing a straight-sets victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime to advance to the semi-finals. The Italian, seeded second, showcased his trademark precision and power, winning 6-4, 6-3 in a match that lasted just under 90 minutes.
Sinner, who has been in scintillating form this season, extended his head-to-head lead over Auger-Aliassime to 5-2. The Canadian, once a rising star himself, struggled to match Sinner’s intensity, particularly on serve, where he faced relentless pressure. "I felt good today," Sinner said post-match. "Felix is a tough opponent, but I managed to stay focused and execute my game plan."
A Masterclass in Control
From the outset, Sinner imposed his will on the match, breaking Auger-Aliassime in the third game of the first set. The Italian’s ability to dictate play from the baseline was evident, as he consistently forced the Canadian into defensive positions. Key to Sinner’s success was his:
- Exceptional first-serve percentage (78%)
- Relentless depth on groundstrokes
- Ability to convert break points (3/5)
Auger-Aliassime, known for his explosive serve and forehand, was uncharacteristically erratic, committing 28 unforced errors. Sinner, by contrast, kept his tally to just 12. "I knew I had to be aggressive but also patient," Sinner explained. "Felix can hit winners from anywhere, so I had to stay disciplined."
Turning Points and Tactical Brilliance
The match’s pivotal moment came in the second set, with Sinner leading 3-2. Auger-Aliassime, serving at 30-40, unleashed a powerful first serve, but Sinner’s lightning-fast reflexes allowed him to block it back deep. The Canadian’s attempted cross-court forehand sailed wide, handing Sinner the break. From there, the Italian never looked back.
Key Statistics
Sinner’s dominance was reflected in the numbers:
- Winners: 24 (vs. Auger-Aliassime’s 18)
- Net points won: 12/15 (80%)
- Second-serve points won: 65% (vs. 48% for Auger-Aliassime)
Auger-Aliassime admitted afterward that Sinner’s consistency was the difference. "Jannik doesn’t give you anything for free," he said. "You have to earn every point, and today I couldn’t find the level to do that consistently."
Looking Ahead: Semi-Final Showdown
Sinner will now face either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals, a matchup that promises fireworks. Alcaraz, the defending champion, and Medvedev, a former winner here, both pose unique challenges. Sinner, however, remains unfazed. "I’m just focusing on my game," he said. "Every match is a new challenge, and I’m ready for it."
The Italian’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, with titles at the Australian Open and Miami Open already under his belt. His performance in Cincinnati further cements his status as one of the favorites for the upcoming US Open. "I’m feeling confident," Sinner added. "But there’s still a lot of work to do."
Conclusion: Sinner’s Rise Continues
With this victory, Sinner not only advances to his third Masters 1000 semi-final of the year but also sends a clear message to his rivals. His blend of power, precision, and mental toughness makes him a formidable opponent on any surface. As the Cincinnati Open reaches its climax, all eyes will be on whether Sinner can claim his first title here and build even more momentum heading into Flushing Meadows.
For Auger-Aliassime, the search for consistency continues. Once ranked as high as No. 6, the Canadian has struggled to recapture his best form in recent years. "I’ll keep working," he said. "Matches like this show me where I need to improve."