Concerns for Jannik Sinner ahead of US Open week

Jannik Sinner looked out of sorts from the start, struggling with his movement and the timing of his groundstrokes, and lost his serve three times before retiring.

The 24-year-old later confirmed that he had been ill, but his fitness will be a concern ahead of the start of his US Open defence in New York on Sunday.

It appears as if Sinner will be unable to partner Katerina Siniakova in the new-looked US Open mixed doubles tournament, which begins on Tuesday afternoon.

Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 21:13

Carlos Alcaraz sends message to Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz also signed the court-side camera with “sorry Jannik”.

Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 20:59

Emotional scenes as Jannik Sinner retires from Cincinnati Open final

Sad to see. But great sportsmanship on display from Carlos Alcaraz as he went over to comfort his rival.

Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 20:58

Carlos Alcaraz’s words to Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz takes the trophy and turns to Jannik Sinner. “As you said Jannik this isn’t the way I want to win matches, to win a trophy. I just gotta say sorry. I know and understand how you can feel right now.

“All I can say… as I said many many times, you are truly a champion. I’m pretty sure from this situation you’re gonna come back better, even stronger. You always do. That’s what true champions do. You really are one. Sorry and come back stronger.”

Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 20:51

Jannik Sinner congratulates Carlos Alcaraz

Their 14th match will not be remembered for long but Sinner still congratulates Alcaraz and his team for adding another trophy to his collection.

Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 20:50

Jannik Sinner apologises to the crowd

Jannik Sinner confirms he was ill yesterday and tried to play in the final but found he couldn’t manage. He apologises to the fans.

“Usually I start with the opponent but today I have to start with you guys [the crowd]. I’m super super sorry to disappoint you. From yesterday I didn’t feel great. I thought I would improve during the night. It came up worse.

“I tried to come out and make it at least a small match but I couldn’t handle more. I’m very very sorry for all of you. I know some of you on Monday maybe had to work or do something else, so I’m very very sorry.

“Of course Carlos congrats. Another title. Not the way you wanted to win but it’s amazing what kind of season you’re producing. You and your whole team are doing amazing. Keep it up. I wish you only all the best for the U.S. Open and the rest of the season.”

Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 20:49

We’re going to have a trophy ceremony

This is going to be weird.

Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 20:46

Carlos Alcaraz wins strange Cincinnati Open final

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are hanging around for something. So maybe we do have a trophy ceremony to come.

Alcaraz, technically, has now won six of his last seven matches against Sinner. This is his sixth title this year. But he’s barely cracked a smile.

Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 20:42

Jannik Sinner retires from Cincinnati Open final after five games

We will here more soon. But interesting to hear the umpire announce that Sinner retired “due to illness”.

But it might be an injury. More to come.

Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 20:38

Jannik Sinner retires, Carlos Alcaraz wins the Cincinnati Open

Sinner looks on the verge of tears. Alcaraz goes over to commiserate his rival.

An extraordinary finish. But Sinner is taking no chances ahead of the US Open.

He looks gutted to be doing this, and said how sorry he was to the fans.

I guess we do a trophy ceremony now?

Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 20:37