ATP Cincinnati Masters: Rolex ambassador Alcaraz claims the title as Sinner retires from the final.

On August 18th local time, the champion of the 2025 ATP 1000 Cincinnati Masters was decided. Rolex ambassador Alcaraz, after racing to a 5-0 lead, benefited from Sinner’s retirement and clinched his 8th career Masters title. This is his 6th tour victory of the year and the 22nd overall in his career.

Alcaraz has improved his head-to-head record against Sinner to 9 wins and 5 losses, beating the world No.1 three times this year. After the match, he said: "This is not the way I wanted to win the match or lift the trophy. I just want to say sorry; I understand how you feel right now, Sinner. As I have said many times, you are a true champion. You will come back stronger after this, and I hope you return even better."

Meanwhile, Alcaraz confirmed he will play mixed doubles at the US Open, meaning he must head straight to New York to compete on Tuesday afternoon local time. "The scheduling isn’t ideal, since I have to play tomorrow, but I love this event. It’s something new for me—teaming up with Emma (Raducanu) against the top seeds. I’ll do my best to enjoy it, get a feel for the court, the balls, everything, and treat it as important preparation for the US Open. I might not get much sleep after arriving in New York, but I’ll give everything I have to win."

Sinner revealed that he began feeling unwell yesterday and his condition didn’t improve today, apologizing to the fans: "Normally I would congratulate my opponent first, but today I have to apologize to the crowd. I’m really sorry to disappoint you. I haven’t felt well since yesterday. I thought I might feel better today, but it actually got worse. I tried my best to step on court and play, but I just couldn’t handle it, so I’m truly, truly sorry." According to Sky Sports, Sinner will withdraw from the US Open mixed doubles.

Last year at the US Open, Sinner won the championship while Alcaraz was eliminated in the second round. After last year’s US Open ranking points are removed, Alcaraz will overtake Sinner and rise to No.1 in the live rankings. The two players are set for a direct battle for the top spot at the upcoming US Open.

Alcaraz’s Path to the Title

First Round: Bye

Second Round: 6-1/2-6/6-3 vs. Dzumhur

Third Round: 6-4/6-4 vs. Medjedovic

Fourth Round: 6-1/6-4 vs. Nardi [L]

Quarterfinals: 6-3/4-6/7-5 vs. Rublev [9]

Semifinals: 6-4/6-3 vs. Zverev [3]

Final: 5-0 Ret. vs. Sinner [1]

(Text, editing: Dato; Image: Visual China)