Carlos Alcaraz won the Cincinnati Open title in anticlimactic circumstances as rival Jannik Sinner retired due to illness just 23 minutes into the match.

It was clear immediately that Jannik Sinner was not himself in Cincinnati.

It felt like tennis had delivered the perfect script—world No. 1 Jannik Sinner versus world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in a Masters 1000 final. Both had torn through the draw in Cincinnati, barely breaking a sweat, setting up the dream clash fans had been waiting for.

Carlos Alcaraz won the Cincinnati Open title in a little over 20 minutes Monday afternoon, after his nearest rival and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner retired through illness down 5-0. Sinner fought back tears as he was forced to quit the match, which was poised to be another instalment in the most compelling current rivalry in tennis.

Carlos Alcaraz won the Cincinnati Open title in a little more than 20 minutes on Monday after top-ranked Jannik Sinner was forced to retire because of illness during the first set.

World no.1 Jannik Sinner reportedly wanted to partner up with the legendary Serena Williams for the revamped U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament

Jannik Sinner’s preparations for the US Open ended in emotional scenes as he retired from the Cincinnati final after just five games and 23 minutes.

Cincinnati Open volunteer Phil Carver adopted the puppy that Jannik Sinner met after a match. Later, Carver got to meet Sinner at his birthday party.