The much-anticipated Cincinnati Open final between World No.1 Jannik Sinner and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz ended in heartbreak for fans after Sinner was forced to retire early in the match due to health issues. Sinner looked fine on Saturday when he dominated Frenchman Terence Atmane in the semifinals.

The Italian star, who came into the contest as the reigning champion of the US Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon, looked visibly unwell from the outset. Alcaraz raced to a 5-0 lead in the opening set before Sinner decided he could no longer continue.

Sinner’s apology to fans

Fighting back tears, Sinner addressed the crowd in Mason with an emotional apology:

“Hello everyone, first, usually I start with the opponent, but today I have to start with you guys. I'm super, super sorry to disappoint you from yesterday. I didn't feel great. I thought that I would improve during the night, but it came up worse, so I tried to come out, trying to make it at least a small match, but I couldn't handle more. I'm very, very sorry for all of you. I know that maybe some of you on Monday had to work or had other commitments, so I’m really, really sorry.”

It marked the sixth career retirement for Sinner, who until then had enjoyed a dominant season.

Alcaraz shows respect

While the abrupt ending was a disappointment to fans, Alcaraz showed immense sportsmanship. After consoling Sinner at the net, the Spaniard wrote “Sorry Jannik” on the on-court camera lens, a gesture that drew applause from spectators.

The victory handed Alcaraz his 22nd ATP title and sixth trophy of the 2025 season. Despite the unusual circumstances, the 22-year-old said he was proud to lift the Cincinnati trophy but acknowledged it was not the way he had wanted to win.

Expert reaction

Former world No. 1 Jim Courier called the development “shocking” during his analysis on Tennis Channel.

“We’ll find out eventually, once Jannik does speak to the press, about what the root cause is because he’s been able to play through tough conditions all the way up through the final. The effects of whatever hit Jannik today were just too great for him to overcome, which is such a shame for everyone.”

Sinner’s withdrawal raises questions ahead of the upcoming US Open in New York, where he is expected to defend his title. Alcaraz, meanwhile, heads into Flushing Meadows brimming with confidence, having reaffirmed his dominance on hard courts.