It was a final that ended before it truly began. Carlos Alcaraz secured the Cincinnati Open title on Monday after world No.1 Jannik Sinner was forced to retire due to illness just 22 minutes into the championship
match. The 22-year-old Spaniard was leading 5-0 in the first set when Sinner, visibly struggling in the 30°C heat, called for medical assistance and retired shortly after.
While the anticlimactic finish left fans disappointed, it marked a triumphant moment for Alcaraz, who lifted his 22nd career trophy and extended his Masters 1000 winning streak to 17 consecutive matches.
Ailing Sinner Withdraws in Painful Fashion
Sinner later revealed he had been unwell since the previous day. Despite hopes of recovering in time for the final, he said he took the court only “for the fans.”
“I’m disappointed. I didn’t feel great from yesterday,” Sinner admitted. “I thought I would recover better overnight, but it was not the case. I just tried to give everyone a match, but it was not meant to be.”
The Italian now turns his attention to the US Open starting Sunday, casting doubt over his scheduled participation in the tournament’s revamped mixed doubles event set for Tuesday. “The main focus is the US Open,” he said. “Recovery is the most important.”
Still, Sinner, who defeated Alcaraz in last month’s Wimbledon final, stressed that his overall season has been “incredible” and remains optimistic about his form heading into New York.
Alcaraz Grateful, but Hungry for More
For Alcaraz, the victory was bittersweet. “Obviously it’s not the way I wanted to win,” he said. “First of all, I wish Jannik a speedy recovery so he can be ready for the Open. But for myself, I’m very happy—I really wanted this trophy after losing the 2023 final here to Novak [Djokovic].”
The Spaniard’s return to form has been emphatic after last year’s early Cincinnati exit. With this title, he improved his career head-to-head record against Sinner to 9-5, though the Italian still holds the upper hand from their Wimbledon clash.
Momentum Heading Into New York
Alcaraz now looks ahead to Flushing Meadows, the site of his first Grand Slam triumph in 2022. “New York is very special to me,” he said. “The energy, the support—it’s where I won my first Slam. Last year was disappointing, but this year I feel great. I want to show my best tennis.”
With his 22nd career title and renewed confidence, the Spaniard will arrive at the US Open as one of the leading contenders, even as all eyes remain on Sinner’s recovery.
