Ten toes in, and Frances Tiafoe has got the job done! After a rather average season, Tiafoe has hit a stride at the Cincinnati Open. The home-favorite American has set a new milestone for himself, but with the pedal to the metal, he needs to bring his absolute best for what’s coming next. His dream run at the hardcourt event won’t be easy to complete.

In a rather exciting match-up, Tiafoe will square off against top seed Jannik Sinner in the event’s summit clash on Tuesday, August 20. The contest will undoubtedly stir American fans as the duo seeks to capture every winning moment. Let’s delve into the details of Tiafoe and Sinner’s upcoming encounter.

Jannik Sinner vs Frances Tiafoe: Preview

Jannik Sinner had a commendable show of heart during his semifinal contest against Alexander Zverev. Flaunting his on-court skills, the Italian narrowly cruised past the No. 3 seed’s challenge in a jaw-dropping three-set showdown. Despite showing signs of discomfort in his hip in the opening set, which has plagued him recently, the Italian remained resilient and concluded the match with a score of 7-6(9), 5-7, 7-6(4).

Frances Tiafoe, on the other hand, reached his maiden ATP 1000 masters title decider dramatically. He locked horns with Danish Holger Rune, where he overcame a one-set deficit and rallied his way to a comeback from 2-5. Furthermore, the 26-year-old saved two match points, securing 4/6 of wins on break points while converting 3/6. The ‘Big Foe’ staged a hard-fought victory over the Dane with a score line of 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(4).

Sinner vs Tiafoe: Head-to-Head

Both the players will mark their overall fifth meeting on the ATP Tour, having last contested at the Erste Bank Open in Vienna last year. The Italian leads Tiafoe 3-1 in the head-to-head and with the recent developments in the American’s game, this promises to be another exciting showdown between the two based on their history.

• 2023 Vienna Open, QF: Sinner 6-3, 6-4.
• 2021 Vienna Open, SF: Tiafoe 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.
• 2019 Next Gen ATP Finals, Round Robin: Sinner 3-4(4), 4-2, 4-2, 4-2.
• 2019 Antwerp, QF: Sinner 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

Prediction: ‘Big Foe’ to win in three sets

Tiafoe has gained noteworthy momentum at the Cincinnati Open. Despite showing brilliant form last year, the American was unable to replicate similar results this season. The 2024 edition of the hardcourt event marks the only occasion where he has won more than three matches in a row. After struggling at several tournaments, ‘Big Foe’ has finally delivered on expectations.

The American’s Cincinnati campaign has witnessed him rely heavily on his feisty groundstrokes while optimally maximizing his output from his serves. The offensive baseliner can execute thunderous serves going as high as 147 mph. Although the 26-year-old is quick to finish points by firing winners from unusual angles, he struggles to dominate his rivals with his backhand, which tends to come off flat on the surface.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner has had a bitter-sweet run this year. The 2024 season saw him lift his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, becoming the first Italian man to do so and later claiming the World No. 1 ranking. However, Sinner then suffered a disappointing physical setback with a hip injury that forced him to skip multiple events. Upon his return, the Italian voiced uncertainty about making a full recovery.

Nevertheless, his Cincinnati run speaks volumes about his rugged temperament. The No. 1 seed has breezed past formidable challenges with his semi-western forehand grip, enabling him to make his rivals run around the court. The 23-year-old is a fierce hitting machine, relying on deep, heavy shots that force his opponents to the back of the court.

In summary, it will be a nerve-racking contest. Considering Sinner’s downfall in form compared to his former self, Tiafoe stands a good chance at winning. The American can exploit World No. 1’s physical limitations and give him a hard time fetching the ball while engaging in versatile gameplay.