Alcaraz Claims First Cincinnati Open Title as Sinner Retires

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz secured his first Cincinnati Open title on August 14, 2025, after defending champion Jannik Sinner was forced to retire during the first set due to illness. The match ended abruptly with Sinner trailing 0-5, unable to continue after informing the chair umpire of his condition.

Sinner’s retirement raises concerns regarding his participation in the upcoming mixed doubles event at the US Open 2025. He is scheduled to compete alongside Katerina Siniakova of Czechia in the opening round in New York on August 15, 2025. His health status remains uncertain following this unexpected withdrawal.

The Cincinnati Open final marked the fourth encounter between Alcaraz and Sinner this season, with Sinner having previously triumphed in their last match at the Wimbledon final. Early in the match, signs of Sinner’s struggles became evident. He failed to win a single point on his serve during the opening game, a reliable aspect of his game, and found himself down 0-40 in the third game before finally securing a point.

Alcaraz dominated the match, showcasing his skills as he capitalized on Sinner’s difficulties. The Italian’s performance took a further hit when he committed a double fault at 30-40, losing the fifth game in a row. Faced with mounting pressure and unable to recover, Sinner ultimately chose to retire from the match.

This victory for Alcaraz not only adds a significant title to his career but also highlights his continuing rise in the sport. The circumstances surrounding Sinner’s retirement inject an element of uncertainty into his physical condition leading into major competitions ahead.

As both players prepare for their next challenges, fans will be closely monitoring Sinner’s health and Alcaraz’s momentum in the lead-up to the US Open. More updates on their conditions and upcoming matches are anticipated in the coming days.