Cincinnati, USA – Carlos Alcaraz moved one step closer to another Masters 1000 crown after defeating Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-3 in a dramatic semifinal at the Cincinnati Open. The victory sets up yet another highly anticipated showdown with Jannik Sinner, marking their fourth final of the 2025 season.
While the scoreline looks straightforward, the match carried plenty of tension. Zverev, who has been struggling physically all week, once again looked drained as the second set unfolded. At 1-0, he barely chased balls, waved at serves, and seemed ready to concede. Yet Alcaraz, unusually distracted by his opponent’s condition, briefly let the German back into the contest with a string of double faults and errors.
“It’s never easy playing against someone who is not 100 percent,” Alcaraz admitted afterward. “I started thinking about how he’s feeling instead of focusing on myself.”
Despite the wobble, the Spaniard’s level remained sharp when it mattered most. In the opening set, Alcaraz showcased his resilience by escaping a 0-40 hole at 2-3, saving break points with delicate drop shots, before breaking Zverev with a brilliant backhand volley. His serve clicked throughout the night, firing 11 aces in just nine service games.
For Zverev, the concern remains his fitness. This was the second straight evening he called for medical help, struggling with heavy sweating and labored movement despite cooler night conditions. With the US Open looming, his physical struggles cast doubt on his readiness for New York.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, marches into another blockbuster final against world No. 2 Jannik Sinner. Their rivalry has become must-watch tennis, delivering high-quality encounters across the tour. Having lost to Sinner at Wimbledon, Alcaraz is determined to turn the tables this time.
“We always bring out beautiful tennis,” Alcaraz said. “I’m ready for the challenge and to be perfect.”
With both stars at the peak of their powers, Monday’s Cincinnati Open final promises fireworks.
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