Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s 2025 Cincinnati Open final ended with a disappointing twist, as the World No. 1 halted play just 23 minutes in. After a few minutes of deliberation, he decided to retire from the match, handing the crown to Alcaraz.
In his runner-up speech, Sinner addressed the crowd and apologized for the unfortunate result. He also congratulated his archrival for the title.
What Happened to Jannik Sinner in the 2025 Cincinnati Open Final Against Carlos Alcaraz?
Sinner, the defending champion, reached his second consecutive Cincinnati final with straight-set wins against Daniel Elahi Galan, Gabriel Diallo, Adrian Mannarino, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Terence Atmane. In the final, though, he appeared pale and out of sorts from the get-go.
He failed to win a single game in the highly anticipated showdown, collecting just eight points in the 29 points contested. The Italian, who was broken thrice, won just four points on serve.
As Alcaraz rushed to a 5-0 lead, Sinner called for a trainer and a doctor during the changeover. After a brief chat, the 2024 champion apologized, confirming that he couldn’t continue despite his best effort. “I’m sorry, guys, I can’t. I tried but I can’t. I feel like I cannot move,” he was heard as saying during the medical timeout. Moments later, Sinner retired with the score reading 5-0 (ret.).
Heartbreaking 💔
Get better soon, @janniksin 🙏 pic.twitter.com/KMGSxJpEwG
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 18, 2025
Alcaraz was visibly shocked by the bizarre end to a match that the tennis world was expecting would be a classic. He went to check on his archrival’s health and proceeded to comfort him. It is worth noting that Sinner was one of several retirements in Cincinnati. The tournament saw numerous withdrawals and mid-match retirements due to illness and extreme weather.
Jannik Sinner Apologizes to the Cincinnati Open Crowd
During his runner-up speech, Sinner apologized to the Cincinnati Open crowd who came to watch the final on a Monday afternoon, thanks to the new schedule.
“Usually, I start with the opponent but today I have to start with you guys. I’m super, super sorry to disappoint you,” he said.
The Italian, who celebrated his birthday with a semifinal win on August 16, revealed that he fell ill a day later. “From yesterday, I didn’t feel great. I thought I would improve during the night. It came up worse,” he conveyed. “I tried to come out and make it at least a small match, but I couldn’t handle more. 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.”
“It has been one of the hottest tournaments we played – or warmest, however you call it.”
Jannik Sinner also congratulated Carlos Alcaraz on winning his first Cincinnati Open title. The Spaniard previously reached the final in 2023, where he was outfoxed by Novak Djokovic despite having a championship point.
“Of course, Carlos, congrats. Another title. Not the way you wanted to win, but it’s amazing what kind of season you’re producing. You and your whole team are doing amazing. Keep it up. I wish you only all the best for the US Open and the rest of the season.”
“From yesterday, I didn’t feel great.” 😓
Jannik Sinner speaks after retiring in the Cincinnati final.
Wishing the World No. 1 a speedy recovery 💕#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/IjRr1omqGL
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 18, 2025
En route to the final, Alcaraz battled past Damir Dzumhur, Hamad Medjedovic, Luca Nardi, and Andrey Rublev before dismissing an unwell Alexander Zverev in the semifinal.
Alcaraz and Sinner are now expected to travel to New York for the US Open. It remains to be seen whether the pair compete in the mixed doubles event, which begins on Tuesday, August 19.
