Jannik Sinner’s abrupt retirement from the Cincinnati final against Carlos Alcaraz sent shockwaves through the tennis world. The match lasted only 23 minutes, with Sinner trailing 0-5 before leaving the court visibly unwell. Fans and analysts speculated about the nature of his condition, especially with the US Open just days away.
Coach Darren Cahill provides clarity
Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, addressed the situation in an interview, confirming that the illness was caused by a virus or flu. “I spoke with him briefly last night. He was a bit better. He’ll take today off as well, that’s the plan, and I hope he’ll be able to take the court tomorrow and start hitting some balls. We are confident that he will be OK,” Cahill said.
His comments offered reassurance to supporters and suggested that the world No. 1 is on track to recover in time for his title defense in New York.
Recovery plan and cautious optimism
Sinner has been advised to rest for a couple of days before resuming training. The team is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing his health while preparing for the demands of the Grand Slam. The virus, combined with the intense summer heat in Cincinnati, likely contributed to his physical strain during the final.
Despite the setback, Cahill and the rest of Sinner’s camp remain optimistic. If his recovery continues as expected, he should be ready to compete at full strength when the tournament begins.
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 .
During this season Jannik achieved an overall 31-4 record. Sinner has won 2 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. Sinner reached the final in Rome, French Open and Cincinnati.