Jannik Sinner Sends Message Before Facing Carlos Alcaraz in Cincinnati Open Final

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 8:02 AM ET

It comes as no surprise that the World No. 1 and No. 2 are back again for the Cincinnati Open final. Jannik Sinner faces Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday for the title.

They recently duked it out at Wimbledon in July, where Sinner came out on top. In June, Alcaraz held the upper hand over Sinner at Roland Garros.

Before the competitive spirit set in, Sinner celebrated his 24th birthday on Saturday. He faced Terence Atmane on the court; Atmane gifted him a Pokémon card before the match.

Sinner also celebrated the day with Cincinnati staff and his team at the venue, which brought smiles to everyone’s faces. After the celebrations, Sinner posted a short message on X.

"Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes Really happy to be back in the finals ❤️ @CincyTennis"

His opponent, Alcaraz, won two straight sets against Alexander Zverev to secure his spot on Tuesday. After both of them advanced to the finals, ATP wrote, "JANNIK SINNER. CARLOS ALCARAZ. Ladies and gentlemen, we are in for a treat " on X.

Zverev was struggling physically and not medically fit during the match.

Terence Atmane just gave Jannik Sinner a Pokémon card on his birthday right before they walked out for their match in Cincinnati.

Love this. ❤️

pic.twitter.com/ImmTUXtkFy
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 16, 2025

"It's never easy playing against someone that you know is not feeling 100 per cent. It's even tougher when it comes from Sascha, such a great player, such a great person off the court. We have a really good relationship," Alcaraz said.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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