Cincinnati Open: Frances Tiafoe to face Arthur Fils in the final
Synopsis
Frances Tiafoe beat compatriot Brandon Nakashima 7-5, 6-3 to advance to the Cincinnati Open final. He will face Arthur Fils, guaranteeing a new, first-time champion. Tiafoe is now the 3rd US player to reach multiple Cincy finals this century.
Tiafoe ends Nakashima's run to reach Cincinnati final
Frances Tiafoe advanced to his second Cincinnati Open final in three years, ending compatriot Brandon Nakashima's dream run in the semifinals on Friday. Tiafoe beat Nakashima 7-5, 6-3 and will now be eyeing the biggest title of his career. He will be meeting the 21st seed Arthur Fils in the final, guaranteeing a new, first-time champion of this ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
Speaking after the match, as quoted by the ATP's official website, Tiafoe said, "It feels pretty damn good. I am really happy with it. It has been a great week and a great weekend, unexpectedly, so I am super happy."
Tiafoe joins elite American company
Tiafoe is the third American player in the 21st century to reach multiple finals in Cincinnati, joining the elite group of Andy Roddick (2003, 2005-06) and Mardy Fish (2003, 2010). Now up to 12th place in the ATP Rankings, his 37 tour-level wins are the most among American players this season. Tiafoe is seeking the fifth ATP Tour-level title of his career and improved his head-to-head record against Nakashima to 7-1. Nakashima, who holds the season high of 22 hard court wins, once again falls short of a title. He leaves the tournament with a 12-3 record in hard courts during the summer, including a runners-up finish in Montreal and a semifinal finish in Washington.
Fils sets up final clash
Fils made it to the finals, defeating Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 6-4 in another semifinal. Fils has notably beaten in their only head-to-head meeting, a two-hour, 55-minute match at Miami during the third round last year.
Speaking about the final, Tiafoe said, "It will be a helluva show. And hopefully another 'W' with that. He is a helluva player, moves great, serves great. He has a great shot-making ability. He is going to want it. He is going to be pumped up and so am I. May the best man win."