In contrast to their matchup from three years prior, Jannik Sinner will be aiming for greater respect from Frances Tiafoe in the Cincinnati Open final. When the Italian lost to the American at the Vienna Open in 2021, he became irate with him.

After leading 3-0 in the second set and serving to end the match at 5-3, Sinner appeared to be coasting to a straight-sets triumph. Tiafoe started taking his time getting into position, high-fiving spectators when he won a point, and even conversing with them while their opponent was serving in a desperate attempt to advance back to the semi-final.

His use of dark arts strategies proved effective, as he won 3-6, 7-5, and 6-2.Sinner criticized him for his post-match antics, saying that Tiafoe had done too much and gone too far. When a player attempts to put on a little show, that is one thing; but, when you start acting disrespectfully, it is quite another.

He did, however, commend Tiafoe for his lack of regret for doing whatever it took to get under his skin. He answered, “I don’t really feel bad for that.” “Look, there’s a reason why the throng is there. I can communicate with them and carry out any action I choose.

“I don’t regret doing it. In my opinion, he had a chance to win the match in any case. I used them to gain their support, and I became a fantastic tennis player, but in the end, I was just enjoying myself, and everything worked out for me.

Tiafoe continued by emphasizing that the two are friends off the court and giving the current Australian Open winner props for his subsequent success. “This guy is going to be a Grand Slam champion, I mean, when I played Jannik in the Next Gen Finals and Antwerp back in 2019,” he said, looking at his teammates.

“He has a fantastic team behind him, a strong work ethic, and he does everything correctly, so he will undoubtedly win Grand Slams. Tonight’s outcome was what it was. I’m not sure how many, but he will undoubtedly have a fantastic career and end up in the Hall of Fame.

World No. 1 Sinner defeated Tiafoe 6-3, 6-4 in their rematch in Vienna last year, increasing his record against Tiafoe to 3-1. After the match, he gave the 27th seed another round of applause, demonstrating how little has changed between them.

He said to reporters, “It was undoubtedly a difficult match.” I made every effort to serve well, particularly at crucial times. He had a few break points in the first set and a few more in the second, so I had to play to his level because he is a really skilled player. Nevertheless, I made an effort to serve at the appropriate times and places, and I felt pretty good playing today.

Tiafoe, who defeated Holger Rune 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4) to get to the final, acknowledged he had his job cut out for him. On the court, he was asked if Sinner was the favorite after defeating Alexander Zverev 7-6 (11-9), 5-7, 7-6 (7-4) in his semifinal match.

In response, Tiafoe said, “He is, for sure, right? Has he lost a total of [five] games this year? Without a doubt, he is the favorite in every match that he participates in. One must give due respect to a man such as he.