Carlos Alcaraz sat down with Tennis Channel following his victory at the 2025 Cincinnati Open, a win that came under unusual and unfortunate circumstances. His opponent, Jannik Sinner, retired just 23 minutes into the final due to illness, trailing 5-0 in the first set. Alcaraz, visibly subdued despite claiming his first Cincinnati title, acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the moment.
A message of empathy and admiration
During the interview, Alcaraz expressed deep sympathy for Sinner, saying, “This is not the way I want to win matches, to win trophies. I just gotta say sorry. I know and understand how you can feel right now. You are truly a champion and I’m pretty sure from this situation you’re going to come back even stronger.” His words echoed the sentiment he shared during the trophy ceremony, where he also wrote “Sorry Jannik” with a sad face on a courtside camera lens.
Rivalry built on respect
The match was expected to be another thrilling chapter in the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry, which has defined the ATP tour in recent years. With this win, Alcaraz now leads their head-to-head 9-5 and has claimed six of their last seven meetings. Despite the abrupt ending, both players have consistently shown mutual respect, often praising each other’s resilience and talent.
Looking ahead to the US Open
Both Alcaraz and Sinner are scheduled to compete in singles and mixed doubles at the upcoming US Open. Alcaraz will team up with Emma Raducanu, while Sinner was set to play with Katerina Siniakova after a last-minute change in partners. Sinner’s health remains a concern, but Alcaraz expressed hope that his rival would recover in time for the tournament, where they are both considered top contenders.
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Currently the world no.1, Sinner played his last match on the 18th
of August when he had to retire when playing against world no.2 Carlos Alcaraz in the final and the scoreline was 5-0 .Until now, during this year Sinner owns a 31-4 record. Jannik has won 2 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Sinner was the finalist in Rome, French Open and Cincinnati.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
Ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 18th of August when he overcame world no.1 Jannik Sinner 5-0 in the final in Cincinnati to win his 23rd career title.
Currently, during this year Alcaraz has achieved a 54-6 match record. Alcaraz has won 6 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London and Cincinnati. Carlos reached the final in Barcelona and Wimbledon.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz fought against each other 15 times. Their current record is 10-5 for Alcaraz.