In the early morning of August 19, the 2025 Cincinnati Open final concluded after just 23 minutes in a stunning scenario: Jannik Sinner was compelled to withdraw when the first set score was 5-0 in favor of Carlos Alcaraz.
After seeking medical assistance, the Italian player reluctantly announced his withdrawal from the match, quietly watching his opponent celebrate the championship victory.
According to The Sun, Sinner informed his coach and an official that he "couldn't move and felt like he was about to collapse on the court." The 23-year-old also apologized to the fans: "I tried, but I couldn't continue. I'm truly sorry."
Sinner retires midway, Alcaraz clinches the 2025 Cincinnati Masters crown.
However, the true cause behind Sinner's retirement is still uncertain. Daily Mail quoted the umpire as saying he withdrew for health reasons, not due to injury. This aligns with Sinner's own account that he had felt unwell before the match and hoped a night's rest would help. Still, cameras caught the medical team treating his right leg, and Sinner pointed to that spot when Alcaraz came over to check on him.
With the 2025 US Open fast approaching, experts are hopeful that Sinner is only experiencing a temporary issue. The intense heat in Cincinnati is thought to be a contributing factor, as Alexander Zverev also suffered health problems following his semifinal against Alcaraz.
Sinner's mid-match withdrawal leaves his US Open participation in doubt. According to the schedule, early on August 20 he is set to play mixed doubles with Kateřina Siniaková (Czech Republic), before competing in the men's singles next week.