Jannik Sinner faced a heartbreaking exit from the Cincinnati Open final, retiring due to injury just 23 minutes into the match against Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner struggled right from the start, losing the first game to love and encountering difficulties throughout the brief encounter.

Displaying signs of physical discomfort, Sinner committed several unforced errors and appeared uneasy between points. Trailing 3-0, he resorted to using a bag of ice on his head during the first changeover, indicating an underlying issue.

Continuing to struggle, Sinner fell behind 5-0 before deciding to call for a medical timeout. Following a brief consultation with the trainer, he expressed his regret to the audience and conceded his inability to continue due to his condition.

Alcaraz, the eventual winner of the match, showed empathy towards Sinner, embracing him after the announcement of the retirement. The Spaniard also went to Sinner’s bench for a conversation before the trophy presentation, where he left a message of apology on the camera lens.

In his address to the crowd, Sinner apologized for disappointing the fans, explaining his deteriorating condition since the previous day. He praised Alcaraz for his performance and wished him success for the upcoming tournaments.

Alcaraz, while receiving the trophy, expressed his regret at winning under such circumstances and commended Sinner for his champion spirit, predicting a strong comeback from the Italian player.

The focus now shifts to the upcoming clash between Europe and the USA at the US Open, with legends like Tom Watson emphasizing the significance of events like the Ryder Cup in creating lasting memories and honoring remarkable athletes in the sport.