The highly anticipated final of the Cincinnati Open between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz took an unexpected turn when Sinner, the world number one, was forced to retire due to illness after just five games. The Italian, visibly struggling, apologized profusely to the crowd for having to end the match prematurely.
Sinner's words to the Cincinnati crowd were filled with regret. "Usually I start with the opponent but today I have to start with you guys," he began, acknowledging the fans. "I'm super super sorry to disappoint you," Sinner continued, explaining that he had not been feeling well since the previous day and had hoped to recover overnight. "I thought I would improve during the night. It came up worse," he said. Despite his condition, Sinner attempted to play, stating, "I tried to come out and make it at least a small match but I couldn't handle more". He closed his apology with, "I'm very, very sorry for all of you. I know some of you on Monday maybe had to work or do something else, so I'm very very sorry".
To Alcaraz, Sinner offered congratulations, but also a poignant observation. "Of course Carlos congrats. Another title. Not the way you wanted to win but it's amazing what kind of season you're producing," he said. He went on to praise Alcaraz and his team, wishing them well for the US Open and the remainder of the season.
Alcaraz, in turn, showed great sportsmanship and empathy towards his rival. He consoled Sinner on the bench and later wrote "Sorry Jannik" on the camera. Alcaraz acknowledged the unfortunate circumstances of his victory, saying, "As you said Jannik this isn't the way I want to win matches, to win a trophy. I just gotta say sorry". He also added, "I know and understand how you can feel right now". Offering encouragement, Alcaraz expressed confidence in Sinner's resilience: "You are going to come back better and stronger, you always do. That's what true champions do. I'm sorry, come back stronger".
Sinner's retirement brought an end to his 26-match winning streak on hard courts and also put a question mark on his participation in the US Open mixed doubles, which was scheduled to begin on Tuesday. The US Open is the main tournament for Sinner's season and career. He stated that he would take a couple of days to recover and then get back to work. He hopes to be ready, physically and mentally, to push at the US Open.
The sudden end to the Cincinnati final was disappointing for fans who were eager to witness another chapter in the burgeoning rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz. Sinner's "super apology" and Alcaraz's heartfelt response, however, underscored the respect and camaraderie between the two stars, even amidst the disappointment of the match's abrupt conclusion.
