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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 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 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." (ANI)
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