Cerundolo came from a set down to beat Rinderknech 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 in Cincinnati, winning both tiebreaks. He saved 11 of the 14 break points he faced and hit 13 aces, while Rinderknech had eight.
Rinderknech broke in the opening game and took the first set 6-4. Cerundolo then saved all six break points against him in the second set and won the tiebreak to level. In the decider, Rinderknech broke for 2-0, Cerundolo replied immediately, and after Rinderknech recovered from 3-2 down to 4-4, Cerundolo claimed another tiebreak.
The standout number was Cerundolo winning 82% of points on his first serve, despite putting just 47% of first serves in play. Rinderknech actually won more return points overall, 38 to 32, but Cerundolo's clutch serving carried him through the decisive moments.