Carlos Alcaraz delivered a heartfelt championship speech after winning the 2025 Cincinnati Open, a title that came under unexpected circumstances. His opponent, Jannik Sinner, retired just 23 minutes into the final due to illness, trailing 5-0 in the first set. Alcaraz, while grateful for the victory, made it clear that this was not the way he had hoped to lift the trophy.
A message of support for Sinner
In his speech, Alcaraz addressed Sinner directly, saying, “This is not the way that I want to win trophies. I just have to say sorry, I can understand how you must feel now.” He praised Sinner’s resilience and added, “You are a true champion and I am sure from these situations, you are going to come back even stronger, as you always do.” His words reflected the deep respect and empathy that have come to define their rivalry.
Redemption after past heartbreak
Alcaraz’s win in Cincinnati marked a personal milestone. Two years earlier, he had come within a point of the title before losing to Novak Djokovic in a dramatic final. That loss left him in tears during the trophy ceremony. Now, with the 2025 title in hand, Alcaraz said, “Since I lost that final in 2023, I wanted this trophy really, really badly. I’m just really proud and happy to be able to lift it.”
Looking ahead with optimism
With his eighth ATP Masters 1000 title secured, Alcaraz now turns his focus to the US Open, where he will compete in both singles and mixed doubles. He plans to partner with Emma Raducanu in the newly revamped mixed doubles event. Before heading to New York, Alcaraz shared one final lighthearted note: “I will try to enjoy this last dinner in Cincinnati with my team, having a really good burger here.”
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Currently the world no.1, the Italian 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 has achieved a composed 31-4 win-loss record. Sinner conquered 2 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. The Italian was the finalist in Rome, French Open and Cincinnati.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2025
At the moment ranked no.2, Carlos played his last match on the 18th of August when he beat world no.1 Jannik Sinner 5-0 in the final in Cincinnati to win his 23rd career title.
Currently, during this season the Spaniard has achieved an overall 54-6 match record. Alcaraz clinched 6 titles in 2025 in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, French Open, London and Cincinnati. The Spaniard was the finalist in Barcelona and Wimbledon.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz squared off 15 times. Their record is 10-5 for Alcaraz.