Alcaraz claims Cincinnati Open title after Sinner retires due to illness in final
Carlos Alcaraz secured the Cincinnati Open championship on Monday when world number one Jannik Sinner was forced to retire from their final due to illness, raising significant questions about the Italian's fitness ahead of his U.S. Open title defense beginning this weekend.
The Spanish second seed captured his third Masters 1000 crown of the season without completing the match, as Sinner withdrew after just 23 minutes while trailing 5-0 in the opening set. The retirement ended Sinner's impressive 26-match winning streak on hardcourt surfaces and denied tennis fans the anticipated showdown between the sport's top two players.
Alcaraz showed genuine concern for his rival during the post-match presentation ceremony, expressing disappointment at the circumstances surrounding his victory. "This is not the way that I want to win trophies, I just have to say sorry, I can understand how you must feel now," Alcaraz told Sinner. "As I said many times, you are a true champion and I am sure from these situations, you are going to come back even stronger, as you always do. That's what true champions do."
Sinner had been attempting to become the first player since Roger Federer in 2015 to capture consecutive Cincinnati Open titles, but he appeared uncomfortable from the early stages in the oppressive heat. The defending champion apologized to the disappointed crowd for his inability to continue the match.
"I'm super, super sorry to disappoint you," Sinner addressed the spectators. "Yesterday I didn't feel great. I thought that I would improve during the night, but it came up worse. I tried to come out, tried to make it at least a small match, but I couldn't handle more, so I'm very sorry."
The timing of Sinner's illness creates uncertainty surrounding his participation in the upcoming U.S. Open, where he enters as the defending champion. Questions also remain about his availability for the revamped mixed doubles event alongside Katerina Siniakova, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at Flushing Meadows, with singles competition beginning Sunday.
Monday's encounter had been anticipated as a crucial dress rehearsal for a potential championship meeting between tennis's dominant duo in New York. The pair have contested the finals at the previous two major championships, with Alcaraz mounting a spectacular comeback from two sets down while saving three championship points to triumph at Roland Garros, before Sinner claimed victory at Wimbledon.
The abbreviated final extended Alcaraz's head-to-head advantage over Sinner to 9-5 overall, including a commanding 6-2 record on hardcourt surfaces. For Alcaraz, the Cincinnati triumph represents his third Masters 1000 title of 2024, adding to his earlier successes in Monte Carlo and Rome.
The victory provides Alcaraz with valuable momentum entering the U.S. Open, though both players and tennis fans will hope Sinner recovers fully in time for the season's final Grand Slam tournament. The Italian's condition will be closely monitored as he attempts to defend his New York crown while managing his health concerns.
SportsLigue