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.
(Imagn Images)
Jamie Braidwood19 August 2025 06:45
Impressive stats and a good omen for Carlos Alcaraz
Not 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.
Jamie Braidwood19 August 2025 06:15
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 Braidwood19 August 2025 05:45
Jannik Sinner provides concerning update after sudden Cincinnati Open final retirement
Jannik 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.
Jamie Braidwood19 August 2025 04:45
Carlos Alcaraz sends touching message to Jannik Sinner after shock Cincinnati Open final retirement
Carlos 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.
Jamie Braidwood19 August 2025 03:45
World No 18 says ‘something needs to change’ after Jannik Sinner retirement
World 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.”
Jamie Braidwood19 August 2025 02:45
Carlos Alcaraz’s kind words to Jannik Sinner after Cincinnati Open retirement
“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.”
(Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood19 August 2025 01:45
Jannik Sinner apologises to crowd after Cincinnati Open final retirement
“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.”
(Getty Images)
Jamie Braidwood19 August 2025 00:45
The moment Jannik Sinner was forced to retire
A 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.
Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 23:54
Why controversial US Open mixed doubles event is not worthy of Grand Slam status
Speaking 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
Jamie Braidwood18 August 2025 23:13