Jannik Sinner devastated as star retires 23 minutes into Carlos Alcaraz Cincinnati final

The Cincinnati Open final has come to a disappointing end, as reigning champion Jannik Sinner was forced to retire just 23 minutes into his highly-anticipated meeting with Carlos Alcaraz. The world No. 1 looked out of sorts from the word go - he was broken to love in the first game, and things went from bad to worse.

Sinner sprayed errors across the court and walked gingerly in between points. He was broken for the third time to go 5-0 down and called the trainer to the court. After having a chat with them, Sinner apologised and said he could not continue. The Italian looked devastated as he buried his head in his hands, while the umpire announced that he had retired due to "illness".

Sinner was clearly struggling. In the first changeover, while he trailed 3-0, he put a bag of ice on his head. The top seed decided to play on, but he soon realised that was the wrong decision, and retired at the next changeover. "Sorry guys, I tried but I can't," he told the officials.

Alcaraz had been out for revenge after losing the Wimbledon final to Sinner just a few weeks ago, but the world No. 2 looked concerned for his rival as they embraced after Sinner's retirement was announced.

The Spaniard also came over to Sinner's bench for a brief chat before the trophy ceremony, and then wrote "sorry Jannik" on the camera lens.

During the trophy ceremony, the world No. 1 confirmed that he had been feeling unwell but wanted to take to the court to give the fans a match. However, he was unable to continue.

"Usually I'd 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 it would improve during the night but it came up worse," the top seed told the fans.

"I tried to make it at least a small match but I couldn't handle more so I'm very, very sorry. I know people on Mondays have to work and do something else, so I'm really, really sorry."

It means that Alcaraz becomes the Cincinnati Open champion for the first time. He blew a championship point against Novak Djokovic in a thrilling final two years ago, losing 5-7 7-6(7) 7-6(4).

Last year, Alcaraz suffered a shock opening-round defeat at the hands of Gael Monfils. In a rare moment of frustration, he obliterated his racket and received a warning. But he's turned things around in Ohio this season, lifting the trophy.

Addressing Sinner and the crowd, Alcaraz said: "As you said, Jannik, this is not the way I want to win matches, to win the trophy. Just I've got to say sorry, I understand how you feel right now.

"I can't say anything you don't know already but, as I said many times, you are a true champion and you will come back stronger, you always do. That is what true champions do and you are a great one, so I'm sorry and you will come back stronger, even more than you usually do."

The 2023 final defeat was also on Alcaraz's mind, as he added: "Back in 2023 I lost that final, and since that moment, I really just wanted to lift that trophy, [even] just one year."

Sinner will now be in a race against time to recover in time for the US Open. He has entered the revamped mixed doubles tournament with top doubles player Katerina Siniakova, and they are meant to play their first match on Tuesday. The singles main draw gets underway on Sunday, and the Italian is the defending champion.