Carlos Alcaraz was crowned champion of the Cincinnati Open on Sunday after Jannik Sinner was forced to retire just 23 minutes into the final, leaving fans disappointed and sparking concerns over the Italian’s readiness for the US Open.
Sinner, who had built an incredible 26 match winning streak on hard courts, stepped onto the court clearly unwell and struggling physically. Within minutes, Alcaraz broke serve three times and raced to a 5 0 lead in the opening set. Sinner clutched at his stomach several times before deciding he could no longer continue.
Addressing the crowd, the world number one looked devastated as he apologised. He explained that he had been feeling sick since the previous day and wanted to at least try to compete, but admitted that his body would not allow him to go any further. “I felt really bad and I am so sorry for the fans,” Sinner said. “I wanted to give it a chance but I just couldn’t handle more.”
Alcaraz showed compassion as he comforted his rival, acknowledging that this was not the way he wanted to secure a title. The Spaniard’s victory gave him his eighth ATP 1000 Masters crown and his third in a row, marking yet another milestone in a season where he has already lifted six trophies.
While Alcaraz turns his attention to Flushing Meadows, Sinner’s sudden withdrawal has raised questions about whether he will be fully fit to defend his US Open title. The Grand Slam begins on Sunday in New York, and fans are eager to see if the Italian can recover in time.
Former doubles Grand Slam winner Ryan Harrison offered reassurance during Sky Sports coverage, suggesting that Sinner still has plenty of time to regain his strength. “This shouldn’t derail his chances,” Harrison said. “With a couple of weeks to prepare and rest days in between matches, he will be ready when it matters most.”
The extreme heat in Cincinnati was a challenge for several players throughout the week, and it is thought the conditions may have contributed to Sinner’s illness. Still, the timing is far from ideal as the world number one heads into the final major of the year.
Alcaraz, meanwhile, will use this momentum to fuel his US Open campaign, where he is expected to be Sinner’s fiercest rival once again. The pair have already delivered two unforgettable Grand Slam finals this season. Alcaraz fought back in a five hour thriller to win at Roland Garros, before Sinner returned the favour with victory at Wimbledon. Tennis fans are already dreaming of a third straight showdown between the two young stars in New York, a matchup that could define a new golden era in the sport.
