Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have defined the most compelling rivalry in today’s tennis, especially this year, as they have clashed in several finals. After the Spaniard claimed the Cincinnati title following the Italian’s retirement, Alcaraz now holds six titles this season.
Meanwhile, Sinner (who was sidelined for three months due to a suspension related to a doping case) has captured two titles so far: the Australian Open, before his absence, and Wimbledon. He has posted a 31-4 win-loss record this year and has earned $9,035,053 in prize money, according to the ATP Tour.
Sinner also reached the finals at Roland Garros and Rome, losing both to Alcaraz. The Spaniard’s other titles this season include Queen’s, Monte Carlo, and Rotterdam. Alcaraz owns a 54-6 record and has earned $10,631,652 in prize money this year.
In Cincinnati, Sinner was unwell, affected by the heat, and trailed 5-0 on Monday before deciding to retire from the match. The result leaves their head-to-head at 9-5 in favor of Alcaraz, who sent a heartfelt message to his rival.
“I’m super, super sorry to disappoint you. Since yesterday I haven’t felt great… I tried to come out and at least make it a small match, but I couldn’t handle more. I’m very, very sorry for all of you,” Sinner told the crowd in Cincinnati.
Doubts ahead of the US Open
While the action in Cincinnati wrapped up yesterday, all attention now shifts to New York for the US Open. It has been confirmed that Sinner has withdrawn from the mixed doubles event, where he was set to partner with Czech player Katerina Siniakova, the world No. 2 in doubles.
The singles tournament begins on August 24, giving Sinner more time to recover. He enters New York as the defending champion, having defeated Taylor Fritz in last year’s final. If he successfully defends his crown, he will become the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to win the US Open back-to-back.