Carlos Alcaraz won the Cincinnati Open after top seed Jannik Sinner retired during the final due to illness, raising questions about the Italian star’s fitness just days before defending his U.S. Open title.
Idman.biz, citing Reuters, reports that the Spanish second seed was leading 5-0 in the first set when Sinner, struggling in the sweltering conditions, signaled he could not continue. Alcaraz expressed sympathy during the trophy presentation, saying, “This is not the way I want to win trophies. I can understand how you must feel.”
Sinner apologized to the crowd, explaining he had felt unwell since the previous day and could not sustain play. The retirement also casts uncertainty over Sinner’s participation in the mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows. Monday’s clash had been viewed as a preview for a potential U.S. Open final between the world’s top two players.
Alcaraz previously came from two sets down to win Roland Garros, while Sinner triumphed at Wimbledon. This victory marks Alcaraz’s third Masters 1000 title of the season following successes in Monte Carlo and Rome.
Idman.biz
