Alcaraz Wins Cincinnati Title After Sinner Retires In Only 20 Minutes

The 2025 Cincinnati Open final went differently than anybody expected, as it ended after just 20 minutes.

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner were the protagonists of the unusual Monday final at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. It was their 14th meeting, and a proper battle was expected from the two of the best players in the world.

Every time these two have met, fans saw a proper show, and there was no reason not to expect one also on Monday afternoon in Cincinnati. But the weather had different plans.

Like throughout the event, it was very hot in Cincinnati during the final match, and from the moment the first ball was hit, it was clear that Sinner was struggling with the heat. The Italian player started on his serve, and in the first game, he lost all four points, producing three forced and one unforced error.

Despite some struggles, Alcaraz then held his serve, and Sinner then couldn't hold his once again, even double-faulting. After a comfortable hold, Alcaraz was already up 4-0. At that point, it was more than clear that something was wrong with Sinner.

The Italian started his third service game by making two more unforced errors, and despite hitting an ace down 15-40, he double-faulted again, this time on a break point. He fell 0-5 behind, calling for a physio.

After a short discussion, during which he explained that he has been struggling with the heat, Sinner announced that he couldn't continue competing, retiring from the final match in only 20 minutes.

Alcaraz immediately came to console his opponent, and when it came to signing the camera lens, the Spaniard wrote: "Sorry Jannik." It was clear that the five-time Grand Slam champion felt sorry for his rival and friend.

Although it's not how he wanted to win, Alcaraz's title win in Cincinnati significantly boosted his chances of rising to the World No. 1 rank after the US Open.

Sinner will be defending the title in New York, which means that he will lose 2,000 points from his current 11,480 points. That means his total after the US Open (without the points he will win at the event) will be 9,480 points.

Alcaraz, on the other hand, is defending only 50 points after shockingly losing in the second round of the US Open last year; as a result, his total will stand at 9,540 points. That means Alcaraz will be in the pole position to become the World No. 1 player after the US Open, and if both players achieve the same result, he will reclaim the top spot. If not, the one who will get further will become the No. 1 player.