Jannik Sinner Explains Shocking Cincinnati Final Retirement After Just 20 Minutes

Tuesday, 19 August 2025 at 18:00

byErik Virostko

Jannik Sinner unexpectedly retired from the Cincinnati Open final, and he explained his decision afterward.

Sinner was a slight favorite to win the title at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. His favorite status came mostly thanks to his form on the hard courts and the fact that he beat Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon Championships final.

However, it was Alcaraz who came out firing, but soon enough it became obvious that he wasn't dominating only thanks to his own abilities. Sinner was struggling a lot with the hot weather, and down 0-5, he requested to see a physio.

Following a short consultation, Sinner opted to retire from the match despite playing only for 20 minutes. After the match, he started his runner-up speech by addressing the crowd in Cincinnati.

Sinner explained that he didn't feel already the day before the match, but he wanted to try and give it his best on the court. Ultimately, however, he couldn't play for longer than he did.

"Usually, I start with the opponent, but today I have to start with you guys. I’m super, super sorry to disappoint you. From yesterday, I didn’t feel great. I thought I would improve during the night, but 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 really, really sorry."

Sinner also congratulated his opponent. He has a good relationship with Alcaraz, and he wished the Spaniard luck for the upcoming US Open, where they are the favorites to meet in the final again.

"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 all the best for the US Open and the rest of the season."

Sinner details his struggles further after the match

Sinner didn't have a traditional press conference after the match. Instead, he just spoke to a representative from the ATP, answering some questions. He explained again that he didn't feel well already the day before and tried playing just for the fans.

"Yes, of course, disappointed. Didn't feel great from yesterday. Also during the night, I thought I would recover a bit better, but it was not the case. And I just tried to go out for the fans, trying to give a match. That's the reason why I went on the court, but it was not meant to be for me today. So, it happens."

"But I don't want to take anything away from Carlos. He had a great week, great, great tournament again. And, and now the main focus, obviously, is for, for, for US Open. And yeah, now recovery is the most important. And then we see."