World number one Jannik Sinner advanced to the fourth round of the Cincinnati Open after seeing off Canadian Gabriel Diallo 6-2, 7-6 (8-6), even as a fire alarm briefly disrupted play.
The alarm and flashing lights began during the second game of the second set. After a several-minute delay, both players agreed to continue, and Sinner steadied himself to close out the match in a tense tiebreak. “It was a very difficult day at the office,” Sinner said, acknowledging the challenge of handling Diallo’s big serve and the match’s interruptions. “You have to find the balance against these big servers. I struggled with that at times today. But I need tough matches like this, I’m happy I got one before the [US Open] Grand Slam.”
The result puts Sinner into the last 16 in Cincinnati and offers a valuable competitive test ahead of the US Open. The match highlighted Sinner’s mental resilience — maintaining focus through an unexpected stadium disruption and navigating a tight tiebreak — while also underlining areas he felt needed work against powerful servers.
Additional comments:
– The interruption from the alarm was an unusual in-match distraction; Sinner’s ability to recompose and win the tiebreak is a positive sign for high-pressure situations he may face at the US Open.
– Diallo’s serving power caused problems at times, and the close second-set tiebreak suggests Sinner will benefit from more quick-fire matches to sharpen return positioning and timing.
– For fans tracking form ahead of the US Open, Sinner’s win is encouraging but also a reminder of the fine margins he’ll need to manage against big servers and in tightly contested sets.
Brief summary:
Jannik Sinner beat Gabriel Diallo 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) to reach the Cincinnati Open last 16, overcoming a mid-match fire alarm and a challenging serving display from his opponent — a useful tune-up before the US Open.
Hopeful angle:
Sinner’s composure under an unusual distraction and his ability to win a close tiebreak show growing mental strength; that resilience could prove decisive as he aims for success at the upcoming Grand Slam.