Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2, broke from his typically composed demeanor when Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, retired from the 2025 Cincinnati Open final on August 18, 2025, due to an unspecified illness, handing Alcaraz the title. Trailing 0-5 in the first set after 23 minutes, Sinner, visibly unwell, clutched his abdomen and told medics, “I tried, but I can’t,” before tearfully withdrawing (web:0). Alcaraz, known for his competitive fire, displayed profound empathy, rushing to console Sinner courtside and later expressing mixed emotions about his sixth ATP title of the year. “I’m happy to win, but not like this. I feel bad for Jannik and hope he’s okay soon,” he said in his victory speech (web:0, web:5).
The Spaniard’s reaction echoed his sportsmanship after Alexander Zverev’s health scare in the semifinals, where he wrote, “Happy for the final. But feeling bad for Sascha” on a camera (web:6). Sinner’s illness, possibly a stomach virus also affecting Zverev, disrupted what promised to be a blockbuster rematch of their 2024 China Open final, where Alcaraz praised Sinner as “a beast” (conversation, web:2). Alcaraz, who led 9-5 in their head-to-head, was poised for a fierce battle but instead faced an anticlimactic end. He told reporters, “It’s tough to celebrate when your rival, your friend, can’t continue. I wanted to fight for this one” (tennis.com, August 18, 2025).
Fans on X captured the moment’s gravity, with one post stating, “Alcaraz consoling Sinner after his retirement shows why he’s a class act” (@SK__Tennis, August 18, 2025) (post:0). Sinner’s withdrawal, just days before the US Open’s mixed doubles event on August 19, raises concerns about his singles campaign, mirroring Emma Raducanu’s singles withdrawal due to injuries (web:17). Alcaraz’s own participation in the mixed doubles with Raducanu is uncertain due to the tight schedule, with his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero’s presence in New York offering hope (web:14). The situation parallels strategic choices by Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin for the Davis Cup or Luke Littler managing his darts schedule. Alcaraz’s heartfelt response underscores the human side of competition as he prepares for Flushing Meadows.
