The tennis world was about to see another incredible match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Cincinnati Open final. However, before the first set could end, the Italian was forced to retire. The reason is an illness, but the fact is now the Spaniard is the champion. With Sinner watching, Alcaraz sent a message to his biggest rival.
“As you said Jannik, this isn’t the way I want to win matches, to win a trophy. I just gotta say sorry. I know and understand how you can feel right now. All I can say… as I said many many times, you are truly a champion. I’m pretty sure from this situation you’re gonna come back better, even stronger. You always do. That’s what true champions do. You really are one. Sorry and come back stronger,” Alcaraz said after the game.
Sinner struggled for as long as the match went on, going 0-5 but he never really seemed there. The Italian couldn’t find his footing and was not as fast and crisp as he usually is. It seems like the heat had something to do with it. Sinner felt off.
Alcaraz was dominating even without playing great
When you see a 5-0 set, it’s natural to assume the player who was winning was playing the game of his life. However, this was not the case. Alcaraz was being the better player, but Sinner was making it really simple for him.
Jannik Sinner of Italy reacts after winning a point during the match against Térence Atmane of France during Day 10 of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 16, 2025 in Mason, Ohio.
“From 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,” explained Sinner after retiring from the final. It was clear he wasn’t himself, he had two double faults, and had nine unforced errors to only four winners.
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Alcaraz leads head-to-head rivalry with Sinner
This win marks the ninth victory in 14 games against Sinner for Alcaraz. Sinner will remain at five for the foreseeable future. However, the Italian had won the last encounter in the 2025 Wimbledon final.
The last five games where both players faced each other have been finals. Alcaraz has won four of those. With this result, the number one spot of the ATP Ranking will be on the line during the U.S. Open.
