Saturday was another profitable day at the Cincinnati Open for our Andy Schooler. Here’s his look at Sunday’s final between Arthur Fils and Frances Tiafoe.
Tennis betting tips: Cincinnati Open
1pt Arthur Fils to beat Frances Tiafoe 2-0 at 13/10 (BetVictor, Betway)
Arthur Fils v Frances Tiafoe (21:30 BST)
It’s been a good week for this column with a series of underdog winners, including Frances Tiafoe in the semi-finals.
Outright followers also had ARTHUR FILS to win his quarter at 13/2, although I’m now wishing I’d backed him at 33/1 outright, particularly given he’s the 1/2 favourite for this final.
Both men have lost just the one set to reach the title match and both look to be in the groove – a great sign ahead of the impending US Open, which starts a week today.
Tiafoe is once again rising to the occasion in his homeland. He always seems inspired by playing in front of a home crowd and he’s now back in the Cincinnati final for the second time in three years. Keeping the unforced error count down is always key for ‘Big Foe’ and he’s managed to do that while maintaining his power so far in Ohio.
Fils also has great power off the ground but arguably the biggest reason for his recent success has been his serve.
The Frenchman is serving great – he’s lost serve only three times in five matches so far and just once in his last three.
He’s been excellent all week with all his key serve numbers up on his season average, admittedly in conditions which help that delivery.
Fils is also 1-0 up on head-to-head, that clash occurring in Miami last season. After two tight sets, the 22-year-old pulled away to win 6-2 in the third after almost three hours.
He’s been racing through matches a lot quicker than that in Cincinnati and I think he’s a worthy favourite here.
The only decision for me is which way to go from a betting perspective.
Tiafoe won’t make it easy and a tight start would not surprise. Betway’s 6/4 about this match being all square after six games is worth considering.
That said, Fils did make a slow start against Flavio Cobolli on Saturday, while I also understand that putting up a standout price available with just one firm isn’t really the best approach.
Instead, Fils to win in straight sets is the call.
Tiafoe will be all heart as always but, for me, Fils has been the better player this past week (or so) and can use his serve to dominate.
Posted 09:16 BST on 23/08/2026
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