World No.1 Jannik Sinner let out a huge roar after beating Alexander Zverev in the semi-final of Cincinatti Masters on Sunday, August 18. The 23-year-old did not hold back his emotions after reaching the final of a major tournament on the tour for the first time since June 2024. Sinner had been struggling with injuries in the recent past, but the Italian star gave it his all in a match that extended for three hours and seven minutes.

Jannik Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev 7-6 (9), 4-6, 7-6 (4) to progress to his maiden Cincinnati Masters final as he held on to his chances of retaining the World No. 1 spot. Sinner, serving for the match, hit a cross-court forehand and Zverev hit the ball long, handing over the tie-breaker and the match to Sinner. Sinner celebrated his hard-earned victory with a huge roar before he walked up to the net and shook hands with Zverev.

It was only Sinner’s second win over Zverev in six meetings. The Italian had lost to the German four times on the trot, which included a pre-quarterfinal loss to Zverev at last year’s US Open. However, the reigning Australian Open champion showed a lot of heart and skill to get past Zverev in a marathon contest in Cincinnati.

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios responded to the celebration, saying there was something more than what met the eye in the way Sinner reacted after the victory.

Sinner has been dealing with multiple injury concerns and health issues in 2024. One of the significant setbacks was his withdrawal from the Paris Olympics due to tonsillitis. The 22-year-old Italian, who had recently become the world’s top-ranked player, was forced to miss the Games after a doctor strongly advised against participating due to his condition.

Before the Olympics, Sinner had been dealing with other health issues. He left the Madrid Open early due to a hip injury and experienced dizziness during his quarter-final defeat to Daniil Medvedev. After winning the Halle Open, sinner was one of the favourites for the grass-court Grand Slam crown, but he bowed out in the last-eight round.

Sinner will take on America’s Frances Tiafoe in the final of Cincinnati Masters on Monday, August 19. Tiafoe defeated Holger Rune in another marathon semi-final on Sunday.