CINCINNATI — World number one Jannik Sinner continued his dominant 2024 season with a hard-fought 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) victory over Adrian Mannarino to secure his place in the Cincinnati Open quarter-finals. The Italian showcased his trademark resilience and precision, overcoming a spirited challenge from the French veteran in a match that lasted just under two hours.
Sinner’s Tactical Mastery Seals First Set
Sinner, who claimed his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open earlier this year, demonstrated why he sits atop the ATP rankings. The 22-year-old broke Mannarino in the opening game, setting the tone with aggressive baseline play. Mannarino, known for his unorthodox style and crafty slice backhand, struggled to disrupt Sinner’s rhythm. "I knew I had to stay patient and take my chances when they came," Sinner said in his post-match interview.
Key moments in the first set included:
- Sinner’s 83% first-serve win percentage
- A crucial break point save at 4-3 with a blistering cross-court forehand
- Mannarino’s 12 unforced errors compared to Sinner’s 7
Mannarino’s Fightback Falls Short
The second set proved more competitive as Mannarino raised his level, exploiting Sinner’s occasional lapses in concentration. The Frenchman saved two break points at 2-2, frustrating Sinner with his defensive skills. At 5-5, Mannarino even earned a set point, but Sinner erased it with a clutch serve-and-volley play. "Adrian made it tough—he’s a tricky opponent who doesn’t give you anything for free," Sinner admitted.
Tiebreak Dominance
The tiebreak saw Sinner’s superior firepower shine through. A 137 mph ace gave him a 4-2 lead, and he closed out the match with a backhand winner down the line. Mannarino, who had defeated Sinner in their only previous meeting in 2022, couldn’t replicate that result this time. "I’ve improved my mental game in these situations," Sinner noted, reflecting on his 7-4 tiebreak win.
By the Numbers
Sinner’s victory extended his 2024 record to 49-6, including a tour-leading six titles. Other notable stats:
- Winners: Sinner 28, Mannarino 18
- Net points won: Sinner 75%, Mannarino 62%
- Break points converted: Sinner 2/5, Mannarino 0/3
Next Challenge: Quarter-Final Showdown
Sinner will face either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Ugo Humbert in the last eight. A potential clash with Tsitsipas would be a rematch of their thrilling Australian Open semi-final, which Sinner won in four sets. "Every match here is a test, and I’m ready to keep pushing," Sinner said, emphasizing his focus on maintaining momentum ahead of the US Open.
Broader Implications
This win solidifies Sinner’s status as the man to beat heading into Flushing Meadows. With Novak Djokovic skipping Cincinnati and Carlos Alcaraz nursing an injury, Sinner has a prime opportunity to claim his first Western & Southern Open title. "Jannik’s consistency at this level is remarkable for his age," praised ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert.
Mannarino, meanwhile, exits Cincinnati with his head held high after defeating top-20 player Ben Shelton in the previous round. The 36-year-old remains a dangerous floater in any draw, proving once again that experience can challenge the sport’s brightest young stars.
As the ATP Tour’s North American hardcourt swing heats up, all eyes remain on Sinner. His blend of power, speed, and tactical intelligence makes him the favorite not just in Cincinnati, but for the upcoming US Open. "I’m just taking it one match at a time," he said, downplaying the hype.
The Cincinnati Open continues to deliver high-stakes drama, with Sinner’s quarter-final match scheduled for Friday evening. Tennis fans worldwide will be eager to see if the Italian can maintain his flawless form and edge closer to another Masters 1000 crown.