Next-Gen Stars Match Decade-Old Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray Feat

Interestingly, it is the first time after a decade that the Cincinnati Masters will host the Top four seeds in the semifinals. Previously, the big four – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, and Novak Djokovic had made it into the last four as the top seeds in 2009.

Similarly, the next generation – Daniil Medvedev(1), Stefanos Tsitsipas(2), Alexander Zverev(3), and Andrey Rublev(4) reached the semifinals in Cincinnati Masters 2021. Indeed, it will be a blockbuster weekend at the Western and Southern Open.

To qualify for the Cincinnati Open 2021 semifinals, second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas took on 12th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime. As both were playing good tennis, it became complicated to separate the better player between the two. However, standing up to the occasion, Tsitsipas gave all the correct answers to make it into the next round. Eventually, he defeated Auger-Aliassime 6-2, 5-7, 6-1.

Even though Tsitsipas dominated the entire quarterfinals, he had to earn his place in the semis. Most significantly, he lost two match points, then spent another set and an hour to finally get the winning ticket.

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Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Felix Auger-Aliassime: Cincinnati Open 2021

Beginning with a slow start, Tsitsipas saw off three deuces to get his first service hold. In response, Auger-Aliassime delivered a much better service game.

Notably, the tides changed their direction after the first two games. At 1-2, the Greek professional got three break points opportunities and converted the second.

After the first break, the Canadian youngster tried to come back in the set, but his opponent was not ready to slow down. Consequently, it led to Auger-Aliassime having to serve to keep the opening set alive.

Stunningly, Tsitsipas yet again broke the Canadian’s serve to move one step closer to the semifinals. He won the set 6-2 in 34 minutes.

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Tsitsipas vs Auger-Aliassime: Set 2

Naturally, the opening set helped settle down the nerves of both the players. As a result, Tsitsipas and Auger-Aliassime engaged in much longer rallies than before.

Additionally, at 2-3, Auger-Aliassime took a medical timeout to fix his back. Following that, he had to save a break point to stay level in the second set.

Across the net, Tsitsipas kept the pressure on his opponent, but somehow the Canadian kept up with it. However, Felix yet again had to hold serve; this time, to stay in the tournament.

Remarkably, the promising Canadian saw off two match points to bring the second set to 5-5. In an epic turnaround, Auger-Aliassime got the crucial break. Hence, he now needed to hold serve to win the set.

Subsequently, the 21-year-old won the second set in style with two aces and a big serve. The score: 6-2, 5-7.

Tsitsipas helps match Roger Federer, Nadal, Murray, and Djokovic feat

Unquestionably, the two players provided an all-out entertaining night for fans in the crowd. All the more, the ones watching from elsewhere could also probably feel the intensity on the court.

Similar to the opening set, Tsitsipas got the first break in the decider set to get a 3-1 lead. Quickly, he changed the scoreboard to 4-1 as the match time crossed two hours.

Ultimately, the Greek God got the double break to serve for the semifinals spot. And this time, he made sure to cross the finish line. He won the match 6-2, 5-7, 6-1.

In the semifinals, Tsitsipas will meet Olympics gold medalist Alexander Zverev. Above all, the question is: Can the Greek professional earn his second Masters 1000 title in Cincinnati? Only time will answer that.

Also Read: Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Roger Federer: How Do They Differ in the One-Handed Backhand?