Cincinnati Open 2024: Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev; Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

Fans began to believe that the Cincinnati Masters would not be very competitive after the retirement of Carlos Alcaraz. However, world number one Jannik Sinner is still there, giving spectators the action they expect. The young Italian, who has a remarkable season with three victories, faces a tough challenge while Alexander Zverev prepares his racket. The German, who won the tournament in 2021, is determined to repeat the historic events. But which of the two rivals is more likely to win? Here is a detailed analysis with odds and tips.

Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev: Preview

World number one Jannik Sinner made it to the semifinals after defeating Alex Michelsen 6-4, 7-5, Jordan Thompson (Walover) and Andrey Rublev 4-6, 7-5, 6-4. In his quarterfinal showdown against Rublev, the young Italian fought back from a set down to win by scoring 111 points to Rublev’s 101 and hitting 36 winners. Sinner has lost just one set in this tournament despite wanting to win 53% of the points he played. Over the last seven years, Sinner has managed to achieve a remarkable 73% win rate (319-118) and is 21-2 on hard courts in 2024. His best results this year include titles at the Australian Open, Rotterdam, Miami and Halle.

Alexander Zverev, on the other hand, reached the semifinals after defeating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-2, Pablo Carreno-Busta 7-5, 7-6(6) and Ben Shelton 3-6, 7-6(3), 7-5. In his quarterfinal match against Shelton, Zverev was able to recover a set deficit and win by scoring 103 points to Shelton’s 95 and hitting 44 winners. Zverev has also lost one set in the tournament and won 54% of the points he played. His best results this season came in Rome, where he defeated Nicolas Jarry. Zverev holds a record of 52-15 in 2024, with a 23-7 record on hard courts. He has already won this tournament in 2021.

Sinner vs. Zverev: Direct comparison

Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev have crossed paths several times. They are ranked in the top 10 and most of their encounters usually take place in higher rounds, which makes their rivalry intense. Looking at the numbers, the German has a notable advantage, having won 4 of the 5 matches against Sinner.

Although they haven’t had the opportunity to face each other so far this season, their last meeting was in 2023. In the round of 16 of the US Open, Zverev put up a commendable performance as he defeated the young Italian in an intense five-set showdown with a final score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-3. Apart from this one, here is a look at the other matches played between them:

• Monte Carlo Masters 2022, quarterfinals: Zverev won 5-7, 6-3, 7-6
• US Open 2021, R16: Zverev won 6-4, 6-4, 7-6
• Semifinal Cologne 2020: Zverev wins 7-6, 6-3
• Roland Garros 2020, round of 16: Sinner won 6-3, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3

Prediction: Sinner wins in three sets

Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev are set for a thrilling semi-final clash in Cincinnati, with both players showing remarkable form. Sinner, the world number one, has a 21-2 record on hard courts this season and his overall record of 52-15 is also impressive. In his last match, he hit 10 aces and won 84% of points with his first serve. Sinner’s aggressive play led to six breaks against Rublev as he fended off four of five break points. His season highlights include winning his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open and a Masters 1000 title in Miami.

On the other hand, Zverev has a record of 23-7 on hard courts in 2024. He hit 10 aces against Ben Shelton and won 81% of his points on first serve. However, he struggled with converting break points as he was only able to break Shelton once out of eight opportunities. Zverev acknowledged the challenge and said: “The conditions and the stoppages were tough, but Ben was the toughest part of the game.”

With Sinner’s superior record on hard court and his impressive runs this season, he is slightly outmatched by Zverev. Fans can expect a close contest, with Sinner’s consistency and aggressive style on the surface making him the favorite to win in three sets.