Alarm Bells for Jannik Sinner Ahead of US Open After Cincinnati Final Retirement
3 minute readPublished: Monday, August 18, 2025 at 8:04 pm

Sinner's US Open Title Defense in Doubt After Cincinnati Retirement
The Cincinnati Open final concluded prematurely, leaving fans and analysts alike concerned about Jannik Sinner's fitness ahead of the upcoming US Open. The highly anticipated match against Carlos Alcaraz ended abruptly after only five games, with Sinner retiring due to illness.
Sinner addressed the crowd, expressing deep regret for disappointing them and explaining that he had been feeling unwell since the previous day. He stated that his condition worsened overnight and that he was unable to continue the match. He offered his congratulations to Alcaraz, acknowledging his impressive season.
Alcaraz's victory secured him another Masters 1000 title, 1000 ranking points, and over $1.1 million in prize money. The win also significantly narrowed the gap between him and Sinner in the world rankings, putting him within striking distance of reclaiming the No. 1 spot.
The implications of Sinner's retirement are particularly significant. As the reigning US Open champion, he is obligated to defend the full 2,000 ranking points in New York. His sudden withdrawal in Cincinnati, coupled with his visibly distressed on-court speech, has raised serious doubts about his physical readiness to compete at the Grand Slam.
The Cincinnati final was expected to be a highlight of the season, showcasing the talents of two of the sport's rising stars. However, it instead left fans with uncertainty surrounding Sinner's health and his ability to defend his US Open title. Alcaraz, on the other hand, gains momentum at a crucial time.
BNN's Perspective:
While Sinner's health is the primary concern, it's important to remember that athletes often face physical challenges. It's too early to definitively say whether this is a long-term issue. We hope Sinner recovers quickly and is able to compete at the US Open, as a healthy competition between him and Alcaraz is what fans want to see.
Keywords: Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Cincinnati Open, US Open, retirement, tennis, ranking points, injury, health, Grand Slam, Masters 1000, title