Jannik Sinner retires after just five games as Carlos Alcaraz wins Cincinnati Open final – live

Jannik Sinner’s preparations for his US Open defence have been disrupted by illness after the World No 1 was forced to retire from his Cincinnati Open final against young rival Carlos Alcaraz, lasting just five games.

Sinner was clearly out of sorts on a hot day in Ohio and lost his serve three times before pulling out from the match. The 24-year-old apologised to the crowd and confirmed he started feeling ill the day before, with his condition worsening on the day of the final.

Carlos Alcaraz sent a touching message to Jannik Sinner after his rival retired from their Cincinnati Open final after just five games having struggled with illness.

Sinner, the World No 1, did not win a game and threw in the towel after just 20 minutes of the match, with the Italian confirming that he started feeling ill the day before.

The premature end to the highly anticipated clash between the two best players in the world left the crowd stunned and Alcaraz unable to celebrate winning the trophy.

Instead, the Spaniard sent his best wishes to Sinner and said he would return stronger after bringing an early end to the latest chapter of their rivalry.

Jannik Sinner looked out of sorts from the start, struggling with his movement and the timing of his groundstrokes, and lost his serve three times before retiring.

The 24-year-old later confirmed that he had been ill, but his fitness will be a concern ahead of the start of his US Open defence in New York on Sunday.

It appears as if Sinner will be unable to partner Katerina Siniakova in the new-looked US Open mixed doubles tournament, which begins on Tuesday afternoon.

Carlos Alcaraz also signed the court-side camera with “sorry Jannik”.

Sad to see. But great sportsmanship on display from Carlos Alcaraz as he went over to comfort his rival.

Carlos Alcaraz takes the trophy and turns to Jannik Sinner. “As you said Jannik this isn’t the way I want to win matches, to win a trophy. I just gotta say sorry. I know and understand how you can feel right now.

“All I can say… as I said many many times, you are truly a champion. I’m pretty sure from this situation you’re gonna come back better, even stronger. You always do. That’s what true champions do. You really are one. Sorry and come back stronger.”

Their 14th match will not be remembered for long but Sinner still congratulates Alcaraz and his team for adding another trophy to his collection.

Jannik Sinner confirms he was ill yesterday and tried to play in the final but found he couldn’t manage. He apologises to the fans.

“Usually I start with the opponent but today I have to start with you guys [the crowd]. I’m super super sorry to disappoint you. From yesterday I didn’t feel great. I thought I would improve during the night. It came up worse.

“I tried to come out and make it at least a small match but I couldn’t handle more. I’m very very sorry for all of you. I know some of you on Monday maybe had to work or do something else, so I’m very very sorry.

“Of course Carlos congrats. Another title. Not the way you wanted to win but it’s amazing what kind of season you’re producing. You and your whole team are doing amazing. Keep it up. I wish you only all the best for the U.S. Open and the rest of the season.”

This is going to be weird.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are hanging around for something. So maybe we do have a trophy ceremony to come.

Alcaraz, technically, has now won six of his last seven matches against Sinner. This is his sixth title this year. But he’s barely cracked a smile.