Jannik Sinner sets up blockbuster Cincinnati Open final with Frances Tiafoe

The Italian and German could barely be split over three hours and seven minutes on the court, with Sinner ultimately prevailing 7-6(9) 5-7 7-6(4).

Zverev had an opportunity to serve for the first set, but Sinner endured and, after saving two set points, snatched the advantage from the world number three.

However, Sinner looked increasingly troubled by his hip as the match went on, allowing Zverev to mount a comeback and take the second set.

The Australian Open champion refused to go down without a fight in the deciding set, matching Zverev at every opportunity and capitalising on his service advantage to eke out a first win against Zverev in their previous five meetings.

Sinner will take on Tiafoe in the final on Monday after the American rallied from 2-5 down in the third set to defeat Holger Rune 4-6 6-1 7-6(4).

Tiafoe saved two match points on serve at 4-5 to clinch a place in his first ATP Masters 1000 final.