Masters 1000 Cincinnati: Frances Tiafoe beats Lorenzo Musetti and reaches the semifinal

At least one American player will be on the field in the final of the Masters 1000 in Cincinnati. Frances Tiafoe, world number 23, defeated Lorenzo Musetti (n.15) after a hard-fought match and joined compatriot Brandon Nakashima (n.22) in the semi-finals.

Tiafoe, who beat Carrarino 7-6 (7-2), 7-5, will face an in-form Nakashima, fresh from a series of impressive results in North America, including the semifinal at the ATP 500 in Washington and the final at the Masters 1000 in Montreal. “I gained a lot of confidence this summer,” Nakashima said after her victory over world No. 9 Taylor Fritz, 7-6 (11/9), 4-6, 6-3.

The Californian is certain to enter the top 20 of the ranking (at least at number 16) after a tournament that will crown a new Masters 1000 player. Fritz was the only player still in contention in the men's draw with a title in this category, having won at Indian Wells in 2022.

Tiafoe had to fight to eliminate Musetti. After suffering a break early in the match from a splendid backhand passer, he brought the score back to level at 3-3. The American then became aggressive in response, and this ultimately paid off, despite Musetti canceling out a match point with a beautiful forehand to level the second set at 5-5. "He's an incredible player, he forces you to do everything to beat him, and that's what I did," commented Tiafoe.