In an unexpected and emotional turn at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner was forced to retire just 23 minutes into the highly anticipated final against Carlos Alcaraz. The Italian star, who had dominated the tournament with an unbeaten 26-match hardcourt streak, succumbed to illness and could not complete the match, handing the title to his Spanish rival.

The championship clash on August 18, 2025, was billed as another classic in the ongoing Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry. However, spectators were left stunned when Sinner, visibly struggling in the intense Ohio heat, halted play while trailing 0-5 in the first set. After consulting with medics, he officially retired from the match, bringing the final to a premature end.

“I tried, but I can’t,” Sinner was overheard telling the umpire. Moments later, he addressed the crowd: “I’m super, super sorry to disappoint you. I thought I’d feel better this morning, but it’s worse. I tried to make it a real match, but I couldn’t handle it anymore.”

What happened to Sinner today during the Cincinnati final?

Jannik Sinner’s abrupt retirement in the Cincinnati Open final was due to a sudden illness that left him physically unable to continue. Although he attempted to compete, his condition rapidly declined. With court temperatures soaring and his body faltering, Sinner made the difficult decision to withdraw after losing the first five games to Carlos Alcaraz.

The tournament’s defending champion had shown no signs of weakness in earlier rounds, dispatching Daniel Elahi Galan, Gabriel Diallo, Adrian Mannarino, and Felix Auger-Aliassime in straight sets before defeating Terence Atmane in the semis. However, a mystery illness hit him hard overnight.

In his post-match statement, Sinner revealed: “It’s been one of the hottest tournaments we’ve played. I didn’t feel well yesterday and thought I’d improve, but it got worse. I’m really sorry. Congrats Carlos. I wish you the best at the US Open.”

Why Sinner’s Cincinnati withdrawal is a major blow ahead of US Open

This untimely health setback comes just days before the 2025 US Open, where Sinner is the defending champion. His participation in both singles and the new mixed doubles format—where he’s scheduled to pair with Katerina Siniakova—is now in serious doubt.

As the tournament approaches its August 24 start, medical assessments will determine whether Sinner can compete. The Italian’s team has remained silent on his recovery timeline, but fans and experts are concerned about his readiness.

For Carlos Alcaraz, however, this bittersweet victory marks his sixth title of the 2025 season and his 22nd ATP title overall. With this win, he now boasts eight ATP Masters 1000 trophies—more than any active player except Novak Djokovic.

Heat, fatigue, and health risks at summer tournaments

The Cincinnati Open has been plagued by extreme heat conditions, raising questions about athlete safety. Iga Swiatek and other top players have recently spoken out about the need for better heat protocols. Sinner’s sudden withdrawal adds urgency to those concerns.

According to medical staff present during the final, Sinner displayed signs of fatigue, dehydration, and elevated body temperature—symptoms that make intense physical exertion potentially dangerous. These observations strengthen calls for more flexible scheduling and improved rest measures during hot-weather events.

Carlos Alcaraz also acknowledged the gravity of the situation, saying, “This isn’t how I want to win. Jannik is a true champion, and I know he’ll come back stronger. I’m sorry for him and wish him a quick recovery.”

Carlos Alcaraz is now the firm favorite heading into the US Open, where he will attempt to reclaim the title he last won in 2022. He currently leads the ATP Live Rankings and has a 1,890-point advantage over Sinner in the race to Turin.

Alcaraz is also scheduled to play mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu in New York. The pair will debut against Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula, promising another exciting showdown.

Meanwhile, Sinner’s team will focus on rapid recovery. Should he miss the US Open, it could significantly impact the ATP rankings and shift momentum firmly toward Alcaraz in the battle for year-end No. 1.

For your information:

What illness caused Sinner to retire today?
Jannik Sinner cited feeling unwell since the previous day. Though the exact nature of the illness hasn’t been disclosed, symptoms included fatigue, weakness, and dizziness, likely exacerbated by extreme heat.

Will Sinner play in the US Open 2025?
As of now, his participation remains uncertain. A final decision will depend on how quickly he recovers in the coming days. He is scheduled to play both singles and mixed doubles.

What did Alcaraz say about the win?
Carlos Alcaraz expressed sympathy, stating, “This is not the way I want to win. I know how tough this is for Jannik.” He called Sinner a true champion and wished him a strong comeback.

How many titles has Alcaraz won in 2025?
Carlos Alcaraz has won six titles in 2025, including three Masters 1000 tournaments—Monte Carlo, Rome, and now Cincinnati. He leads the ATP tour with 54 match wins this year.

What was Sinner’s record before the final?
Sinner entered the Cincinnati final on a 26-match hardcourt winning streak. He had not dropped a set during the tournament until his retirement in the final match.

Who will Alcaraz face next in the US Open?
Although the US Open draw hasn’t been released yet, Alcaraz is expected to be the top contender. He is also set to play in mixed doubles with Emma Raducanu.