Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

After Cincinnati Retirement, Jannik Sinner Withdraws From US Open Mixed Doubles Match Against Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic

Alcaraz secures his eighth Masters 1000 title as Sinner retires in the Cincinnati Open 2025 final.

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

What was billed as another epic battle between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz ended in disappointment on Monday, as the Cincinnati Open final lasted just 23 minutes. Sinner, appearing visibly unwell, retired from the match while trailing 0-5 in the opening set, handing Alcaraz his sixth title of the season and eighth career Masters 1000 crown.

More recently, it has come to light that after retiring in Cincinnati, Jannik Sinner has also withdrawn from the US Open mixed doubles. He was slated to kick off the revamped format alongside Katerina Siniakova against Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic. Instead, he pulled out at the last moment. This decision inevitably shifts focus to his singles campaign and raises questions about the defending champion’s fitness.

Still, Sinner remains upbeat about his chances. “So as I said, now a couple of days of recovery, and then we get again back to work, and hopefully we’ll be ready. So for sure, the main goal here in the US,” he told reporters, signaling confidence despite lingering concerns.

Jannik Sinner retires down 0-5 in the Cincinnati final.

Carlos Alcaraz wins his 8th career Masters 1000 title.

Beautiful scenes in the end between both players. pic.twitter.com/wivVjOCQVD
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) August 18, 2025

Sinner Forced to Retire, Alcaraz Extends Lead in Rankings

The clash had all the makings of a heavyweight battle with world No. 1 versus world No. 2, two rivals with a growing history of classics. Instead, it turned into a one-sided affair as Sinner struggled with illness, calling for the doctor before deciding he could no longer continue. His 26-match winning streak on hard courts came to a halt, and his US Open title defense now hangs in uncertainty.

“I’m super, super sorry to disappoint you,” Sinner told fans afterward. “From yesterday I didn’t feel great. I thought that I would improve during the night, but it came up worse. I tried to come out, tried to make it at least a small match, but I couldn’t handle more, so I’m very sorry.”

“From yesterday, I didn’t feel great.” 😓

Jannik Sinner speaks after retiring in the Cincinnati final.

Wishing the World No. 1 a speedy recovery 💕#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/IjRr1omqGL
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 18, 2025

For Alcaraz, the title carries mixed emotions. The Spaniard climbed to his 22nd tour-level trophy and regained a firm grip on the ATP rankings, now leading Sinner by 1,890 points. He will enter the US Open as the Live Rankings No. 1 and can reclaim the official top spot if he outperforms Sinner in New York. A potential clash between the two at Flushing Meadows could decide the world’s top ranking.

“This is not the way that I want to win trophies, I just have to say sorry,” Alcaraz said on court. “I can understand how you must feel now. As I said many times, you are a true champion, and I am sure from these situations, you are going to come back even stronger, as you always do. That’s what true champions do. I’m sorry and come back stronger.”

Carlos consoles Jannik after retiring in Cincy final 🥲#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/7WkH4tjlHA
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 18, 2025

While Alcaraz lifted the trophy, the final’s abrupt ending left fans wanting more from the rivalry. Both players will now turn their focus to the US Open, where the next chapter of their budding duel, and perhaps the battle for year-end No. 1, could be written.

Mandatory Image Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Carlos Alcaraz

Cincinnati Open 2025 Finals

Jannik Sinner

Rudra Dubey

nfl

mma

I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.