Jannik Sinner retired from his Cincinnati Open final against young rival Carlos Alcaraz after losing the first five games of the match and struggling with illness.
The World No 1 apologised and said sorry to the fans after pulling out from the final when he lost his third service game in a row to trail Alcaraz 5-0 in the first set. Alcaraz was crowned the champion in strange scenes as the final came to an end after just 20 minutes of action.
“Usually I start with the opponent but today I have to start with you guys [the crowd],” Sinner said. “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.”
The more immediate concern is whether Sinner will be ready to defend his US Open title, with the grand slam getting underway in New York on Sunday. The result also means Sinner’s 26-match winning streak on hard courts has come to an end, with retirement also halting his 12-match winning run on all surfaces.
Follow live score updates from the Cincinnati Open final below
Alcaraz v Sinner live: Cincinnati Open final latest score and updates
- Jannik Sinner retires from Cincinnati Open final after losing first five games
- Carlos Alcaraz crowned champion as he commiserates rival Sinner
- Sinner now a doubt for US Open, which begins on Sunday
- Sinner retires! Italian calls it quits after struggling with illness
Why controversial US Open mixed doubles event is not worthy of Grand Slam status
08:20 , Kieran JacksonWith more than 1,000 matches to his name, Jamie Murray has seen it all in 20 years of professional tennis. A doubles specialist from the get-go, the elder Murray brother holds the impressive record of the most mixed doubles grand slam titles out of any active player on tour. That’s five in total, including three consecutive mixed doubles triumphs at the US Open from 2017-2019.
But this year, with the introduction of a revamped mixed doubles event starting on Tuesday in New York, Murray and many more doubles players alike have been robbed of the opportunity to compete for a prestigious title.
Why controversial US Open mixed doubles event is not worthy of Grand Slam status
What is the format?
08:10 , Mike JonesSixteen pairs will compete in the event, resulting in four rounds of competition.
The scoring system, until the final, will be best-of-three sets played to four games with sudden death deuce and a tie-break at 4-4, with a 10-point tiebreak instead of the third set if necessary.
The final will be the same, but with normal six-game sets instead.
What time does the event start?
08:00 , Mike JonesThe mixed doubles event takes place on Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August on the two biggest show courts at Flushing Meadows, Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong.
Matches start at 11am local time, that’s 4pm BST.
Alcaraz and Raducanu’s match against Draper and Pegula is scheduled third on Arthur Ashe on Tuesday, around 2pm local time - 7pm BST.
When is the US Open mixed doubles?
07:50 , Mike JonesThe new-look US Open mixed doubles event starts on Tuesday, with Carlos Alcaraz set to feature alongside Emma Raducanu amongst a star-studded list of pairs.
New for 2025, the mixed doubles in New York will be staged on the two biggest courts – Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong – over Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August.
As well as five-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz and 2021 US Open champion Raducanu, a host of other top names are competing alongside one another for the $1m champion prize - an increase of $800,000 from 2024.
Will Sinner play in the US Open mixed doubles tournament?
07:40 , Mike JonesThe turnaround from the Cincinnati Open final to the controversial US Open mixed doubles was already tight enough with less than a day for Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to be ready for the tournament.
Now though it seems highly likely that Sinner won’t feature in the competition which is scheduled to begin on Tuesday 19 August at around 4pm BST.
Sinner hasn’t officially withdrawn yet but has mentioned taking ‘a couple of days recovery’ ahead of the US Opens singles commencing so it is expected he will not play in the mixed doubles.
Jannik Sinner hints at US Open mixed doubles withdrawal
07:30 , Mike JonesFollowing his withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open final due to illness Jannik Sinner has hinted that he won’t feature in the mixed doubles tournament ahead of the US Open.
He did not address the media straight away after the final was cut short in Cincinnati but Sinner did speak about the US Open and how he wants ‘a couple of days recovery’ but starting his campaign.
That would lead us to assume he will not feature in the mixed doubles tournament which begins on Tuesday.
Sinner said: “Yeah, I love Grand Slams a lot. These are the main tournaments for my season and, you know, for my career.
“So US Open is going to be tough tournament, but in the same time, I’m looking forward to it.
“If I’m ready, physically and mentally, I will be ready to push. So as I said, now a couple of days of recovery, and then, you know, we get again back to work, and hopefully we’ll be ready.
“So for sure, the main goal here in the US.”
What happened in the Cincinnati Open final?
07:15 , Jamie Braidwood- There was a lot of anticipation ahead of the final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner after their clashes in the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon this summer
- But Sinner looked out of sorts from the start on what was a hot afternoon in Ohio, with the final starting at 3pm local time under intense sun
- Alcaraz raced into an early lead, breaking Sinner’s serve twice as the World No 1 struggled with his movement and the timing of his groundstrokes
- After losing his serve for the third time, and trailing Alcaraz 5-0 in the first set, Sinner called the trainer and then retired from the match, saying he was “sorry for the fans”.
- Sinner confirmed during the trophy ceremony that he had started feeling ill the day before, with his condition worsening on the day of the final
- The Italian is now a major doubt to play in the new-look US Open mixed doubles tournament, which begins on Tuesday, but he should be fine to start his US Open title defence later this week
Concerns for Jannik Sinner ahead of US Open week
06:45 , Jamie BraidwoodJannik 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.
Impressive stats and a good omen for Carlos Alcaraz
06:15 , Jamie BraidwoodNot the way he wanted to win, of course, but Carlos Alcaraz has added to his impressive resume with the Cincinnati Open title.
It’s his eighth ATP Masters title of his career, the most among any active player other than Novak Djokovic.
He now also holds a 9-5 advantage in his head-to-head with Sinner, and has extended his lead over the Italian in the ATP’s Race to Turin.
Also, in the last two years, both the men's and women's Cincinnati Open champions went on to win the US Open.
So a good omen there too.
Emotional scenes as Jannik Sinner retires from Cincinnati Open final
05:45 , Jamie BraidwoodSad to see. But great sportsmanship on display from Carlos Alcaraz as he went over to comfort his rival.
So very sad to see 💔@carlosalcaraz comforts a disappointed Jannik Sinner after the World No. 1 is forced to retire due to illness.@CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/RzCZJGVPUT
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 18, 2025
Jannik Sinner provides concerning update after sudden Cincinnati Open final retirement
04:45 , Jamie BraidwoodJannik Sinner’s preparations for his US Open defence have been disrupted by illness after the World No 1 was forced to retire from his Cincinnati Open final against young rival Carlos Alcaraz, lasting just five games.
Sinner was clearly out of sorts on a hot day in Ohio and lost his serve three times before pulling out from the match. The 24-year-old apologised to the crowd and confirmed he started feeling ill the day before, with his condition worsening on the day of the final.
Jannik Sinner provides concerning update after sudden Cincinnati Open retirement
Carlos Alcaraz sends touching message to Jannik Sinner after shock Cincinnati Open final retirement
03:45 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz sent a touching message to Jannik Sinner after his rival retired from their Cincinnati Open final after just five games having struggled with illness.
Sinner, the World No 1, did not win a game and threw in the towel after just 20 minutes of the match, with the Italian confirming that he started feeling ill the day before.
Alcaraz sends touching message to Sinner after shock Cincinnati Open final retirement
World No 18 says 'something needs to change' after Jannik Sinner retirement
02:45 , Jamie BraidwoodWorld No 18 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina has criticised the tennis schedule and said “something needs to change” after Jannik Sinner retired from his Cincinnati Open final after Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spaniard questioned the timing of the Cincinnati Open final, writing on X: “A Monday final at 3pm in August in Cincinnati, after the whole Toronto–Cincinnati swing, with so many retirements and players dead tired… something needs to change.”
Carlos Alcaraz's kind words to Jannik Sinner after Cincinnati Open retirement
01:45 , Jamie Braidwood“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.”
Jannik Sinner apologises to crowd after Cincinnati Open final retirement
Tuesday 19 August 2025 00:45 , Jamie Braidwood“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.”
The moment Jannik Sinner was forced to retire
Monday 18 August 2025 23:54 , Jamie BraidwoodA tough moment for Jannik Sinner as he retired after just five games and apologised to the crowd for letting them down, but plenty of sportsmanship on display too as he was comforted by Carlos Alcaraz.
Jannik Sinner retires due to illness in the final of the Cincinnati Open against Carlos Alcaraz. pic.twitter.com/e9J2ecefH9
— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) August 18, 2025
Why controversial US Open mixed doubles event is not worthy of Grand Slam status
Monday 18 August 2025 23:13 , Jamie BraidwoodSpeaking of tomorrow’s action... the revamped US Open mixed doubles tournament has certainly divided opinion.
For all the star-studded pairs and $1m winning purse, the new-look mixed doubles in New York lacks Grand Slam prestige and has largely disregarded doubles specialists, as Kieran Jackson explains
Why controversial US Open mixed doubles event is not worthy of Grand Slam status
Carlos Alcaraz's message to Jannik Sinner on social media
Monday 18 August 2025 22:58 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz’s message to Jannik Sinner on X after winning the Cincinnati Open:
“I’m so sorry for Jannik! Nobody likes to win because their opponent retires, especially in a final like this. Wishing you a speedy recovery! Very happy with my week in Cincinnati and feeling ready for the US Open!”
US Open mixed doubles schedule as Sinner faces decision
Monday 18 August 2025 22:48 , Jamie BraidwoodAs it stands, Jannik Sinner is due on court with Katerina Siniakova on Tuesday afternoon in New York for their US Open mixed doubles match against Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev. They’re scheduled second in the second session on Louis Armstrong Arena, so approximately 2:30pm local time.
With $1m in prize money, does Sinner try and play or does he do the sensible thing and withdraw?
US Open mixed doubles order of play: Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu start time
Plenty of time for Jannik Sinner to recover before US Open
Monday 18 August 2025 22:28 , Jamie BraidwoodWhile Jannik Sinner’s participation in the new-look US Open mixed doubles on Tuesday and Wednesday looks in doubt, there is plenty of time for the World No 1 to recover in time for singles action.
The draw is on Thursday ahead of the start of play on Sunday. Sinner, as the top seed on the men’s side, could be in action on the opening day, or else it will be Monday or Tuesday.
Of course, his opening match will be a lot kinder than Carlos Alcaraz.
When is the US Open draw? Confirmed seeds, wildcards, withdrawn players and more
The Cincinnati Open women's final is still to come
Monday 18 August 2025 22:13 , Jamie BraidwoodLet’s hope ticket holders for the Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner match also get to see the women’s final between Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini, or they may end up very short-changed indeed.
The women’s final gets underway shortly with Swiatek looking for her second title in a row after last month’s Wimbledon victory. She takes on the Rome champion Paolini, an opponent she has won all six previous meetings against.
Impressive stats and a good omen for Carlos Alcaraz
Monday 18 August 2025 21:58 , Jamie BraidwoodNot the way he wanted to win, of course, but Carlos Alcaraz has added to his impressive resume with the Cincinnati Open title.
It’s his eighth ATP Masters title of his career, the most among any active player other than Novak Djokovic.
He now also holds a 9-5 advantage in his head-to-head with Sinner, and has extended his lead over the Italian in the ATP’s Race to Turin.
Also, in the last two years, both the men's and women's Cincinnati Open champions went on to win the US Open.
So a good omen there too.
Jannik Sinner provides concerning update after sudden Cincinnati Open final retirement
Monday 18 August 2025 21:44 , Jamie BraidwoodJannik Sinner’s preparations for his US Open defence have been disrupted by illness after the World No 1 was forced to retire from his Cincinnati Open final against young rival Carlos Alcaraz, lasting just five games.
Sinner was clearly out of sorts on a hot day in Ohio and lost his serve three times before pulling out from the match. The 24-year-old apologised to the crowd and confirmed he started feeling ill the day before, with his condition worsening on the day of the final.
Jannik Sinner provides concerning update after sudden Cincinnati Open retirement
Carlos Alcaraz sends touching message to Jannik Sinner after shock Cincinnati Open final retirement
Monday 18 August 2025 21:25 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz sent a touching message to Jannik Sinner after his rival retired from their Cincinnati Open final after just five games having struggled with illness.
Sinner, the World No 1, did not win a game and threw in the towel after just 20 minutes of the match, with the Italian confirming that he started feeling ill the day before.
The premature end to the highly anticipated clash between the two best players in the world left the crowd stunned and Alcaraz unable to celebrate winning the trophy.
Instead, the Spaniard sent his best wishes to Sinner and said he would return stronger after bringing an early end to the latest chapter of their rivalry.
Alcaraz sends touching message to Sinner after shock Cincinnati Open final retirement
Concerns for Jannik Sinner ahead of US Open week
Monday 18 August 2025 21:13 , Jamie BraidwoodJannik 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.
Carlos Alcaraz sends message to Jannik Sinner
Monday 18 August 2025 20:59 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz also signed the court-side camera with “sorry Jannik”.
Carlos Alcaraz signs the camera for Jannik Sinner after he retired from their match in the Cincinnati final:
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 18, 2025
“Sorry Jannik ☹️” pic.twitter.com/EnGGBFzAYR
Emotional scenes as Jannik Sinner retires from Cincinnati Open final
Monday 18 August 2025 20:58 , Jamie BraidwoodSad to see. But great sportsmanship on display from Carlos Alcaraz as he went over to comfort his rival.
So very sad to see 💔@carlosalcaraz comforts a disappointed Jannik Sinner after the World No. 1 is forced to retire due to illness.@CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/RzCZJGVPUT
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 18, 2025
Carlos Alcaraz's words to Jannik Sinner
Monday 18 August 2025 20:51 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos 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.”
Jannik Sinner congratulates Carlos Alcaraz
Monday 18 August 2025 20:50 , Jamie BraidwoodTheir 14th match will not be remembered for long but Sinner still congratulates Alcaraz and his team for adding another trophy to his collection.
Jannik Sinner apologises to the crowd
Monday 18 August 2025 20:49 , Jamie BraidwoodJannik 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.”
We're going to have a trophy ceremony
Monday 18 August 2025 20:46 , Jamie BraidwoodThis is going to be weird.
Quotes to come.
Carlos Alcaraz wins strange Cincinnati Open final
Monday 18 August 2025 20:42 , Jamie BraidwoodJannik 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.
Jannik Sinner retires from Cincinnati Open final after five games
Monday 18 August 2025 20:38 , Jamie BraidwoodWe 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.
Jannik Sinner retires, Carlos Alcaraz wins the Cincinnati Open
Monday 18 August 2025 20:37 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner 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?
JANNIK SINNER RETIRES DUE TO ILLNESS
Monday 18 August 2025 20:35 , Jamie BraidwoodOH MY GOODNESS.
AFTER JUST FIVE GAMES - THE FINAL IS OVER!
Jannik Sinner: 'I'm sorry guys'
Monday 18 August 2025 20:35 , Jamie BraidwoodThis does not look good.
Jannik Sinner says he is “sorry for the fans”.
Retirement is coming.
Jannik Sinner calls the trainer
Monday 18 August 2025 20:34 , Jamie BraidwoodHuge drama unfolding now.
Sinner calls the trainer. He’s got to be thinking about the US Open now, which starts in less than a week! Does he try and continue with the final and risk his US Open defence?
TRIPLE BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 5-0 Jannik Sinner
Monday 18 August 2025 20:33 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz tickles a drop shot into the open court and Sinner doesn’t even attempt to move for it. That’s the clearest sign yet that there’s a major issue with the Italian here.
Two more break points, for an extraordinary 5-0 lead in the final for Alcaraz.- and in just 20 minutes.
Sinner thumps the ace to save the first. But a double fault on 30-40 seals the triple break. My goodness.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-0 Jannik Sinner
Monday 18 August 2025 20:31 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner’s forehand and timing is looking pretty horrible whenever Alcaraz is able to move him out of position.
For the third game in a row on the Sinner serve, Alcaraz jumps into a 0-30 lead...
Carlos Alcaraz 4-0 Jannik Sinner*
Monday 18 August 2025 20:29 , Jamie BraidwoodA ball drops nicely for Sinner to crunch a forehand winner but again looks like he is carrying weights as he almost waddles back to position on the baseline.
Alcaraz finds his spots on the serve and finds some accuracy. Four quick points in a row from 0-40 and he takes his fourth game in a row.
We’ve yet to really see this sort of domination, against Sinner, in a final between these two.
*Carlos Alcaraz 3-0 Jannik Sinner
Monday 18 August 2025 20:26 , Jamie BraidwoodSinner immediately calls for a bag of ice and places it on top of his head and rubs the back of his neck.
It looks a hot day, for sure, and the World No 1 is not looking his best. But he’s not calling the trainer just yet.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 3-0 Jannik Sinner
Monday 18 August 2025 20:25 , Jamie BraidwoodAwesome retrieving from Alcaraz to stretch to his right and return the monster Sinner forehand, as the World No 1 puts the volley into the net!
Another three break points. Sinner saves the first two but is taking very small steps around the court and looks very uncomfortable indeed between points.
Incredible return from Alcaraz, right into the corner! A double-break already and Sinner slumps back into his chair!
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-0 Jannik Sinner
Monday 18 August 2025 20:22 , Jamie BraidwoodThis is very strange.
A double fault from Sinner is followed by another forehand into the net from Sinner - his seventh error already.
0-30 to Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-0 Jannik Sinner*
Monday 18 August 2025 20:21 , Jamie BraidwoodNot the cleanest of service games from Alcaraz but he holds from deuce as Sinner puts his forehand into the net.
Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 Jannik Sinner*
Monday 18 August 2025 20:20 , Jamie BraidwoodThe sun is glaring overhead and Sinner looks a little out of sorts in the first few minutes as he adjusts to the Alcaraz ball.
A backhand crosscourt looks particularly awkward from Sinner, as it sails wide. But then Sinner crunches a forehand winner to get to deuce.
Still, Sinner does not look entirely comfortable as he stretches out his side.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 Jannik Sinner
Monday 18 August 2025 20:16 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz breaks to love! Extraordinary. A brilliant return game from Alcaraz, with depth and precision from the first ball.
He gets the early advantage in the best-of-three set final.
Carlos Alcaraz 0-0 Jannik Sinner*
Monday 18 August 2025 20:15 , Jamie BraidwoodGoodness me. Alcaraz is on it from the off. He finds excellent depth on the return to force Sinner into a couple of errors on the forehand.
0-40 and three break points for the Spaniard.
Carlos Alcaraz 0-0 Jannik Sinner*
Monday 18 August 2025 20:13 , Jamie BraidwoodWhat a way to spend a Monday evening. Sinner to serve first.
*denotes next server
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner set for latest chapter in blockbuster rivalry
Monday 18 August 2025 20:10 , Jamie BraidwoodWe’ve had Rome, Paris, Wimbledon, now it’s time for Cincinnati as Alcaraz and Sinner go head-to-head in another final this season.
Let’s not expect the sheer drama of their French Open final classic, as Alcaraz saved three match points, or the weight of Sinner’s revenge victory in the Wimbledon final, but a first hard-court final between the young rivals is an intriguing prospect ahead of the start of the US Open, where many will also expect Alcaraz and Sinner to face each other in the final.
Warm-ups are underway and we’re about to begin.
Welcome along
Monday 18 August 2025 18:30 , Jamie BraidwoodGood evening. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner meet again in another final, this time at the Cincinnati Open, as both players continue to build up to this month’s US Open.
Alcaraz and Sinner have contested the last two grand slam finals, with Alcaraz winning a five-set classic at the French Open final and Sinner getting his revenge in the Wimbledon final.
World No 1 Sinner is on a run of 26 consecutive wins on hard-court surfaces and snapped his losing run against Alcaraz by winning the Wimbledon final in four sets last month.
World No 2 Alcaraz still enjoys a 8-5 winning record against Sinner, and the Spaniard will have his eye on a statement win ahead of Flushing Meadows where the Italian is the defending champion.
