At the Cincinnati Open, the spotlight has mostly been on the usual heavyweights—Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz both cruising past opponents with ease. But this year’s story has an unexpected twist, with a new name forcing his way into the conversation.

Last year’s Cincinnati Open champion is just two wins away from repeating atop the field at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

Despite reaching the quarterfinals at the Cincinnati Open without dropping a set, Jannik Sinner has not played his best tennis so far in the tournament. After a very easy debut against Daniel Galan – to whom he conceded only a couple of games – the world number 1 had some difficulties both against the young Canadian Gabriel Diallo in the third round and against the French veteran Adrian Mannarino.