Carlos Alcaraz is the new Cincinnati Open champion after Jannik Sinner retired from their final while losing 5-0 in the first set.
Sinner wanted a high-quality match against Alcaraz, but the complete opposite played out in the Cincinnati heat.
Alcaraz started the brightest of the pair in the ATP Masters 1000 final, which was a repeat of this year’s Wimbledon, French Open and Italian Open finals.
Sinner meanwhile struggled with the heat and with his opponent before calling time on their Cincinnati Open final after just 23 minutes.
The Spaniard has now taken his win-loss record over the Italian to 9-5, and has just secured a 22nd ATP title.
Photo by Daniel Kopatsch/Getty ImagesWhat Carlos Alcaraz said to Jannik Sinner at the net after their Cincinnati Open final ended early
Alcaraz will likely have mixed feelings about the match, experiencing both disappointment and joy about after coming out on top.
He was quick to console his opponent after learning his decision, with former player Ryan Harrison noting what was said from the champion at the net.
READ MORE: Tennis fans furious after Cincinnati Open final decision involving Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz
“You heard the last thing Carlos said when they shook hands was that you have got to be healthy first, you have to take care of your body first,” Harrison said on Sky Sports Tennis.
“He is exactly right. Sinner is thinking about the fans and how much he is wishing he could put together the performance these people came out to see, but in the back of your mind if you are dealing with a micro-tear or a small torn muscle or something like that I’m not sure if he’s aware of what is going on yet.
“We’re not sure if it happened in the warm-up or during the match but you have to err on the side of caution.”
What Carlos Alcaraz wrote on the camera after his Cincinnati Open final win vs Jannik Sinner
Sinner was out to defend his title this year, having beaten Frances Tiafoe in last year’s Cincinnati Open final.
But he fell well short, with Alcaraz instead securing his maiden triumph at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
And along with his kind words to his opponent, the victor expressed further consolation on the match camera, writing: “Sorry Jannik” with a sad face.
He deserves plenty of credit for how he handled the difficult situation, clearly feeling sympathy towards his rival.
And while Alcaraz will be keen to celebrate, his focus quickly turns to his US Open mixed doubles endeavour.
Carlos Alcaraz signs the camera for Jannik Sinner after he retired from their match in the Cincinnati final:
“Sorry Jannik ☹️” pic.twitter.com/EnGGBFzAYR
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 18, 2025
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The Spanish superstar is set to pair with British number one Emma Raducanu, with the duo facing Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper in round one.
Sinner’s position at the event meanwhile has now been thrown up in the air, with his partner Katerina Siniakova perhaps needing to find someone new for their meeting with Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic.