Carlos Alcaraz is the Cincinnati Open champion at last, but that is not the way he would have wanted to claim the title.
After all, whilst the record will show yet another win over Jannik Sinner, the manner of it was sad to watch.
The Italian was clearly hampered throughout, and did not hold serve once as he fell into a 5-0 deficit.
Calling for the physio, it was too little too late, and he has since revealed the reason behind his performance and subsequent retirement.
Jannik Sinner explains his Cincinnati Open final retirement
Speaking on-court, the Italian cut an emotional figure.
After all, he had worked so hard to be in such a position, fighting to defend his Cincinnati Open title against his greatest rival.
However, it was not to be, and he would reveal the reasons behind his retirement in a match of such importance: “First, usually I start with the opponent but today I have to start with you guys.
“I am super, super sorry to disappoint you. From yesterday I did not feel great. I thought that I would improve during the night but it came out worse so I tried to come out to make it at least a small match, but I could not handle more. So I am very sorry for all of you.
“I know some of you on Monday had to work or do something else, so I am really, really sorry.”
As magnanimous as ever, Alcaraz said some kind words to Sinner at the net straight after their match.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are perfectly poised for world number one
Although a sad state of affairs, this win for Carlos Alcaraz does set up a perfectly balanced playing field for these two heading into the US Open.
After all, it means that the Spaniard will actually head to New York ahead of him in the live rankings as the points refresh.
Sinner will have to better Alcaraz’s result at the US Open to remain ahead of him.
That means that, should they both reach the final as expected, their match would be for the title, and the world number one spot.
Hopefully Sinner can recover in time to make this mouth-watering showdown a reality.
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