Jannik Sinner faces a race against time to be fit for the US Open after he was forced to retire from the final of the Cincinnati Masters on Monday due to illness.
The world No.1 looked out of sorts against Carlos Alcaraz in the title match, where he dropped serve three times in a row to go down 0-5 after just 23 minutes of play. Sinner was then seen consulting with tournament officials before deciding he couldn’t play any further. Umpire Mohamed Lahyani announced on court that the retirement was due to illness.
It is the first time Sinner has retired from a match since the 2023 Halle Open, when he pulled out of his clash against Alexander Bublik in the quarter-finals due to an injured adductor muscle. The last time he retired from a match played at an event categorized as a Masters 1000 or above was at the 2022 French Open against Andrey Rublev due to a knee issue.
“Usually I start with the opponent but today I have to start with you guys. I’m super super sorry to disappoint you,” Sinner said to the Cincinnati crowd.
“Since 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 any more. I’m very, very sorry for all of you.
“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.”
Alcaraz, who is the first Spanish man to win the tournament since Rafael Nadal in 2013, consoled his opponent in a great gesture of sportsmanship. He was playing in his 29th Tour-level final, but it was the first time he had played in one that was ended by a retirement. Out of those 29 appearances, he has now won 22 titles.
“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,” said Alcaraz.
“All I can say… as I said 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.”
The latest match has a big ramification for the race for No.1 after the US Open. Alcaraz will lead Sinner by 50 points in the live rankings when the Grand Slam starts. The most straightforward way he can claim the top spot is by winning the US Open. Otherwise, he will need to perform at least one round better. Should the two clash in the final, the No.1 position will be on the line.
Alcaraz has held the No.1 ranking for 36 weeks so far in his career, with the most recent being in September 2023.
As for the US Open mixed doubles event, which will begin tomorrow, Sinner is almost certain to withdraw, which leaves Katerina Siniakova without a partner. The singles tournament will get underway on Sunday.
