Tiafoe Sets Historic Final in Cincinnati with Fils – Tennis Now

A primary-time Masters 1000 champion will likely be topped on Sunday, as Frances Tiafoe and Arthur Fils will meet for the Cincinnati title.

Chris OddoAugust 22, 20262 minute learn

Frances Tiafoe all the time involves life on the North American laborious courts, and 2026 is not any exception. The 28-year-old kicked his summer season into excessive gear in Cincinnati, the place he defeated Brandon Nakashima 7-5, 6-3 to achieve his second ultimate within the Queen Metropolis. 

“It feels fairly rattling good,” Tiafoe mentioned. “It’s been a fantastic week.” 

Tiafoe will face France’s Arthur Fils, with the winner to emerge as a first-time Masters 1000 champion. 

Their second profession assembly may even be the primary Masters ultimate contested by two black gamers.

What ought to we anticipate on Sunday? 

“A hell of a present, and hopefully a W with it,” Tiafoe mentioned. 

“He’s a helluva participant. Strikes nice, serves nice. He has the shotmaking [ability]. He’s going to need it, he’s going to be pumped up, and so am I. Could the most effective man win.”

Tiafoe saved three set factors within the opening set in opposition to Nakashima, and he took cost within the third set with a break for 3-2 that he by no means relinquished. 

He improves to 7-1 in opposition to Nakashima, who was bidding to achieve back-to-back Masters after an unbelievable summer season that has seen him go 16-5 general. Regardless of the loss, he’ll make his Prime 20 debut on Monday and head to Flushing Meadows as a participant to observe. 

Tiafoe will stick round and face 22-year-old Fils for the second time. In March he misplaced to the Frenchman within the third spherical at Miami, 7-6(11), 5-7, 6-2. 

Fils and Tiafoe now sit at No.11 and No.12 within the reside rankings.