Alcaraz wins Cincinnati: Waiting for US Open and world number 1

Carlos Alcaraz won Cincinnati when Sinner withdrew, confidently conquering the 2025 US Open and challenging for the world No. 1 position.

New title for Alcaraz

Jannik Sinner 's most recent loss on hard court came on 2 October 2024, in the Beijing final (ATP 500 system), against Carlos Alcaraz.

After 26 consecutive victories, the Italian – who holds the fifth longest winning streak on hard courts in history – fell to Alcaraz again. This time it was the Cincinnati final of the prestigious Masters 1000.

Alcaraz encourages Sinner. Photo: Diario AS

The most anticipated match for American audiences and global fans was rendered meaningless as the world number 1 was physically exhausted.

Sinner sought medical attention while losing 0-5. Not long after, the world number 1 tennis player – owner of 2 out of 3 Grand Slams since the beginning of the year – was forced to retire. Perhaps he was sick.

Right from the start of the match, when he lost the opening serve, it was clear that Sinner was not in good enough shape to compete.

No match. No final. After losing the Wimbledon final, Alcaraz won his 22nd career title, his sixth this year and his third Masters 1000 of the season (after Monte Carlo and the Italian Open).

Harsh weather conditions, with temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius and high humidity, took a heavy toll on the tournament from the start.

Before Sinner, Alexander Zverev was also exhausted by the schedule and weather conditions, being eliminated by Alcaraz in the semi-finals.

Sinner, in turn, completely collapsed, becoming a sad shadow of himself. As a result, he could not participate in a new chapter of the most attractive rivalry today - when the Big 3 is a thing of the past.

6th title for Alcaraz since the beginning of the year. Photo: ATP

Alcaraz now leads 9-5 in the head-to-head with Sinner. Despite the win, Carlitos could not hide his regret that his biggest rival could not play a full game.

Waiting for US Open and world number

“ Normally, I start with my opponents, but today I will start with you ,” Sinner said, looking at the stands, sad during the awards ceremony.

“I haven’t been feeling well since Saturday. I’m really sorry, very sorry to all of you. I tried. But that’s how it is, and we have to accept it,” he sent a message asking for sympathy.

Sinner also turned to his opponent: “Congratulations Carlos, another title, certainly not the way you wanted. Although what you and your team did was great. I wish you the best at the US Open and the rest of the season.”

Sinner's retirement and easy win for Alcaraz reopened the world No. 1 race between tennis's new arch-rivals.

Sinner has 11,480 points, Alcaraz has 9,590 points. The Italian will have to defend 2,000 points at the US Open – where he is the defending champion – starting on the 25th.

In other words, the 2025 US Open is a double battle between them: the prestigious Grand Slam title, and the No. 1 position on the ATP rankings.

Alcaraz and his team with the new title. Photo: CincyTennis

Alcaraz became the third Spanish player to win Cincinnati, after Carlos Moya (2002) and Rafa Nadal (2013). He is having a great season: 6 titles since the beginning of the year (8 finals), in 22 career titles.

The 22-year-old is aiming for a second US Open title, following his 2022 triumph – which was also his first Grand Slam.

The attention of the 2025 US Open also comes from the mixed doubles event: Alcaraz is paired with the beautiful Emm Raducanu. A few weeks ago, the two were involved in dating rumors but neither confirmed it.

Sinner will pair up with Katerina Siniakova , but it depends on her health. Besides, Novak Djokovic, Naomi Osaka, Iga Swiatek, Mirra Andreeva... will also participate.

The bonus of 200,000 USD increased to 1 million Euro is the difference, expected to create exciting mixed doubles competitions.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/alcaraz-doat-cincinnati-cho-ha-sinner-o-us-open-va-so-1-the-gioi-2433644.html