Jannik Sinner withdraws from Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz through illness

Jannik Sinner sits in his chair after withdrawing during Day 12 of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 18, 2025 in Mason,

Carlos Alcaraz has been crowned Cincinnati Open champion after Jannik Sinner pulled out of the final on Monday due to illness.

World No. 1 Sinner was seen telling the umpire, "I feel like I can collapse at any moment", during the first set, before withdrawing from the contest after five games and saying, "I’m sorry guys, I can't."

Alcaraz steamrolled a dejected Sinner in the first set and led 5-0 before the Australian Open and Wimbledon champion pulled out of the match.

"I'm super, super sorry to disappoint you," Sinner said. "From yesterday, I didn't feel great, but it came out worse.

"I couldn't handle more, I'm sorry. I'm really, really sorry. Congrats Carlos on another title. I wish you only the best for the US Open. Sometimes it's like this and we have to accept it."

He added: "It has been one of the warmest tournaments we've played.

"Thank you for the support. Thank you for everything. See you again next year, hopefully in better shape."

Sinner was in relentless form heading into the Cincinnati Open final, was unbeaten for 26 matches on hard courts and had not dropped a set in Ohio.

On his way to the final, he knocked out Daniel Elahi Galan, Gabriel Diallo, Adrian Mannarino, and Felix Auger-Aliassime, before ending Terence Atmane's dream run to the semi-finals.

Next up for Sinner is the US Open, where he was scheduled to get his mixed doubles campaign underway on Tuesday alongside Katerina Siniakova against Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic.

It remains to be seen whether Sinner will be fit to feature, as well as defend his singles title at Flushing Meadows.

As for Alcaraz, the Spaniard collected his 22nd ATP Tour-level title.

Following his bittersweet victory over Sinner on Monday, he said: "I can't say anything you don't know already, you [Sinner] are truly a champion.

"You are going to come back better and stronger, you always do. That's what true champions do. I'm sorry, come back stronger."

He added: "It's always been a great tournament for me. It's been amazing. We just feel more comfortable on site, having our time between matches.

"Thank you for the work you're doing. Thank you for the week, it's been a pleasure. Every practice and match, I've felt the love. See you next year."

The pair will come up against Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula in the opening round.

- - -

Click here to read article