Cincinnati, USA – World No. 1 Jannik Sinner demonstrated remarkable composure and skill, overcoming a nearly three-hour mid-match rain interruption to secure his spot in the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open quarterfinals. The reigning Cincinnati champion defeated Adrian Mannarino 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) on Wednesday, extending his impressive hardcourt winning streak to 24 matches.
Sinner’s Resilience and Milestone Victory
Playing his first tournament since his Wimbledon triumph, Sinner showcased patience during the lengthy weather delay, reportedly spending time playing cards with his team. When play resumed, with Sinner leading 6-4, 1-2 in the second set, Mannarino’s tricky game proved challenging. The Frenchman managed to break Sinner as the Italian attempted to serve out the match, forcing a tiebreak. However, Sinner remained focused, firing his 11th and 12th aces to seal the victory and advance to his fifth quarterfinal of the season.
Sinner, who turns 24 on Saturday, appeared to be shrugging off any pressure as the US Open approaches on August 24, indicating he’s in strong form heading into the final Grand Slam of the year.
Zverev, Swiatek, and Rune Also Advance
Earlier in the day, former champion Alexander Zverev quickly completed his weather-delayed third-round match. The 2021 Cincinnati winner needed less than two minutes to finish off a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Brandon Nakashima, having led 6-4, 5-4 when play was halted on Tuesday. The third seed is now set for a fourth-round clash against Toronto finalist Karen Khachanov.
Fifth seed Ben Shelton, last week’s Toronto winner, also secured his place in the fourth round with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 victory over Roberto Bautista Agut, a match that had been rescheduled from Tuesday due to rain.
In the women’s draw, Wimbledon champion and third seed Iga Swiatek booked her quarterfinal berth before the afternoon showers hit, defeating Sorana Cirstea 6-4, 6-3 in a 95-minute encounter, despite hitting 33 unforced errors.
Men’s seventh seed Holger Rune also advanced to the quarterfinals. His match against 2024 finalist Frances Tiafoe ended prematurely when the American retired due to lower back pain, with Rune leading 6-4, 3-1. This match was a rerun of their quarterfinal from a year ago, which Tiafoe had won before falling to Sinner in the final. Despite receiving treatment, Tiafoe was unable to continue, dejectedly walking off the court. Rune, who has faced his own injury worries this season, secured his 100th career hard-court win and his first victory over a top-20 opponent since defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the Barcelona final in April.
Linette Upsets Pegula in Resumed Match
In another match affected by Tuesday’s interruptions, Magda Linette achieved a notable upset, reaching the fourth round at Cincinnati for the first time by defeating fourth-seeded American Jessica Pegula 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 6-3. The 40th-ranked Pole had never previously won a set against Pegula, who was last year’s Cincinnati runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka. Their match resumed on Wednesday after being halted on Tuesday with the score at one set apiece.
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