Arthur Fils reached his third ATP Masters 1000 semi-final of 2026 as he downed Thiago Agustin Tirante at the Cincinnati Open.

Fils needed just 64 minutes to get the job done in Ohio, as Tirante's maiden Masters 1000 quarter-final appearance ended in a convincing defeat.

The Frenchman did not face a single break point in a dominant display.

Flavio Cobolli stands in the way of Fils and a maiden appearance in a Masters 1000 final.

Cobolli rallied from behind to overcome home favourite Tommy Paul 2-6 6-3 6-4, reaching a first Masters 1000 semi-final in the process.

"I'm really looking forward to playing against Flavio," Fils said.

"He has had an unbelievable year. He is playing is best tennis. It is going to be a nice match. He is gonna go for me and I am gonna go for him. We're going to enjoy it."

22, 62 - Arthur Fils (22y years 62d at tournament start) is the youngest French player to reach the semi-final at the Cincinnati Open since Pascal Portes (21y 82d) in 1980. Leap.#CincyTennis | @CincyTennis @atptour pic.twitter.com/l4qckRe7WD

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) August 21, 2026

First-time finalist guaranteed in Cincinnati

With Fils taking on Cobolli in the last four, it means there will be a first-time finalist at Masters 1000 level.

Fils became the first Frenchman to reach three semi-finals at this level in the same season since Guy Forget, who achieved the feat back in 1991.

The 22-year-old is also the youngest player representing France to reach the semi-finals at the Cincinnati Open since Pascal Portes (21 years, 82 days) in 1980.

"Tonight was good, very good," Fils said. "First time on the centre court in Cincinnati. It is a different energy, a different vibe. I just played my best tennis and I am very happy with the performance."

Cobolli (54), meanwhile, has now conceded the joint-most games en route to the semi-final at the Cincinnati Open in the Open Era, along with Pancho Guzman (1969).