Is it true that Alcaraz is hoping for Sinner’s full recovery? The little cannon maid’s grudge remains, while both the king and the young king win their matches.

Three minutes a day keeps you informed about everything happening in the tennis world. Hello to all tennis fans, today is Tuesday, August 19, 2025. Welcome to the midday news provided by Tennis Home.

Earlier this morning Beijing time, the ATP/WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open wrapped up. In the men’s singles final, Spanish star Alcaraz broke his opponent’s serve repeatedly to take a 5-0 lead, after which world No.1 Sinner, feeling unwell, retired from the match, handing the title to Alcaraz. With this, the young Spaniard claimed his eighth Masters title and 22nd career trophy, continuing to lead the post-2000 generation.

After the match, Sinner apologized to the fans, saying he hadn’t felt well since the previous day, tried to play a few games today, but things got worse and he couldn’t continue, so he had to retire. Alcaraz, who won the title easily, said this wasn’t the way he wanted to win the match or the trophy, and offered comfort and encouragement to Sinner: "I just want to say sorry, I understand how you feel right now. As I’ve said many times, you are a true champion, and you’ll come back stronger after this. I hope you’ll be even better when you return."

Some fans joked: does Alcaraz truly want Sinner to return at full strength? The last Grand Slam of the year—the US Open—is about to begin, and for Alcaraz, it’s a great chance to regain the world No.1 spot. As long as he does better than Sinner at the US Open, he’ll likely take the crown. Sinner will also go all out to defend his title. A fierce battle is set to unfold once again.

Women’s singles: In the final, third seed and Polish star Swiatek defeated seventh seed, Italy’s little cannon Paolini, 7-5, 6-4, maintaining a perfect 6-0 record against her and winning every set along the way, claiming her first Cincinnati title. This marks Swiatek’s 11th career 1000-level championship, and she returns to world No.2 with the trophy.

Although the little cannon played better than in their previous five meetings and kept the score close, she still couldn’t secure a win. The 0-6 head-to-head record solidifies her reputation as the maid.

Let’s look at other tournament updates. Earlier this morning Beijing time, the ATP 250 Winston-Salem Open continued with first-round singles action. Most of the higher-ranked players competing today advanced without any major upsets.

WTA 250 Cleveland Open: On day two, three Chinese players competed in the singles first round, ending with two wins and two losses. Wang Yafan defeated American Stearns 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, avenging her previous loss in Cincinnati; Wang Xinyu beat Dutch player Lamens 6-2, 6-7(3), 6-2 to advance. Zhu Lin lost 3-6, 1-6 to qualifier Jacquemot; Yuan Yue was eliminated by Britain’s Bolter 6-4, 6-3.

Women’s doubles: In the first round, the Chinese Strait duo Jiang Xinyu/Zhan Haoqing defeated Tang Qianhui/Santamaria 6-4, 6-1 to reach the second round. Xu Yifan/Yang Zhaoxuan delivered a double bagel, sweeping wildcard pair Franz/T-Gonzalez 6-0, 6-0, advancing powerfully.

Let’s check on the US Open qualifiers. Last night Beijing time, in the first round of US Open qualifying, Chinese player Sun Fajing advanced to the second round after leading 3-6, 7-6(5), 4-1 when his opponent retired, and will face South Africa’s Harris next. In women’s singles: Wang Xiyu came back to beat Branstine 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, moving on to round two; Gao Xingyu lost 2-6, 1-6 to Marcinko, exiting in the first round.

Let’s turn to some player news. Last night Beijing time, former British No.1 Edmund officially announced his retirement. The 30-year-old Edmund reached a career-high ranking of No.14 and made the Australian Open semifinals. However, he has struggled with injuries over the years, undergoing three knee surgeries in the past six years, making a return to the court impossible, and retirement was the only choice left.

Finally, let’s play a guessing game. The photo below shows a player on vacation. No hints—can you recognize who she is?

Last time’s guessing game received the correct answer from tennis friends. That’s right, the person in the photo is Cincinnati’s dark horse, French player Atmane.

(Source: Tennis Home. Author: Maverick)