Jannik Sinner was quick to address the spectators at the Cincinnati Open final after retiring early in the contest due to illness.
The Italian called it quits after being down 5-0 to Carlos Alcaraz in the opening set in Monday's (August 18) much anticipated Masters 1000 clash between the two top seeds.
The world no. 1 was visibly uncomfortable during the short-lived match with his biggest rival as he made countless errors and failed to build any positive momentum on the court.
Shortly after Alcaraz broke him for a third time, Sinner knew he could not continue and delivered the big call to the tournament officials while sitting down at his station.
The 24-year-old was heard telling the officials of his disappointment for the fans, while his opponent consoled him over the tough decision.
So very sad to see 💔@carlosalcaraz comforts a disappointed Jannik Sinner after the World No. 1 is forced to retire due to illness.@CincyTennis | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/RzCZJGVPUT
— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 18, 2025
After collecting his runner-up trophy, Sinner spoke directly to those in attendance at the final and sincerely apologised for pulling out of the match.
"I'm super sorry to disappoint you. From yesterday, I didn't feel great. I thought I would get better during the night but it got worse," the four-time Grand Slam winner stated.
"I tried to come out and make it a small match but I couldn't handle more. I'm very sorry for all of you," he added.
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As the contest began at 3pm local time in Cincinnati, many fans would have had to put aside important duties to be present for the event at the Lindner Family Tennis Center.
Sinner addressed those spectators affected, saying: "I know some of you on Monday have to work or do something else, so I'm really sorry."
Alcaraz was upset to see his rival drop out of the match and expressed sympathy for him after picking up his winners trophy.
"It's not the way I want to win matches or the trophy," said the Spaniard. "I know and understand how you (Sinner) feel right now."
"You are a true champion and I'm sure you will come back better, even stronger. You always do. Sorry, and come back stronger", the 22-year-old added.
The big call which the Italian made in the final was most likely to do with the US Open beginning in less than a week, as he will be looking to defend his title and win a third Grand Slam title in 2025.
Sinner's illness issue means he has had to pull out of the US Open mixed doubles event, where he was scheduled to play alongside Katerina Siniakova against Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic on Tuesday (August 19).
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