Carlos Alcaraz won the 2025 Cincinnati Open after Jannik Sinner was forced to retire due to illness. The final match, lasting only 22 minutes, saw Alcaraz leading 5-0 in the first set when Sinner withdrew. Sinner appeared to be struggling, making nine unforced errors and needing to ice his head during a break.
Before the final, Sinner was on a 12-match winning streak and unbeaten on hard courts for 26 matches. The 24-year-old was seeking to be the first since Roger Federer (2014 & 2015) to win consecutive Cincinnati titles. However, physical issues prevented him from competing in his fourth final of the year, and his first since Wimbledon.
Sinner apologized to Alcaraz and the audience for his inability to perform. He stated he had been unwell since the previous evening and tried to play, but his condition worsened. The illness drained his energy, leading to his retirement.
Sinner expressed his regret, explaining he felt unwell the previous day and hoped for improvement. He apologized for disappointing fans and congratulated Alcaraz on his victory, acknowledging his impressive season and wishing him well for the US Open.
Alcaraz now leads their head-to-head 9-5. Their rivalry has produced memorable matches, including Sinner’s Wimbledon victory, Alcaraz’s Rome Masters win, and Alcaraz’s five-set victory in the Wimbledon final. The Cincinnati final was set to continue this narrative but ended early due to Sinner’s health.
The US Open, starting in New York on Sunday, is the next major event. Cincinnati has often foreshadowed US Open outcomes. Winners in Cincinnati have often advanced far in the Flushing Meadows major. Attention is now on Alcaraz’s form as he heads to New York.
