Jannik Sinner withdraws from Cincinnati Masters final: A challenging mission awaits at the 2025 US Open
Jannik Sinner may have never felt so helpless before. After 22 minutes of effort, only to find himself trailing Carlos Alcaraz 5-0, he had to withdraw from the Cincinnati Masters final. What lies ahead for the 2025 US Open?
This incident not only ended Sinner's impressive 26-match winning streak on hard courts but also cast serious doubt on his chances to defend his Grand Slam title at the year's last major event.
Sinner’s physical condition
During the final against Alcaraz, Sinner looked out of sorts from the start, appearing exhausted and struggling to move in the oppressive heat. Initially, there were suspicions that he might be dealing with a hip or right thigh injury, issues that had troubled him at previous events like Monte-Carlo and Roland Garros. However, Sinner himself revealed the true cause: he had fallen ill the day before (August 17), hoping to recover overnight, but his condition only worsened. “Since yesterday, I haven’t felt well. I thought I’d be better after some rest, but it got worse. I tried to play at least a bit, but couldn’t continue. I’m very sorry for everyone,” Sinner said emotionally, even shedding tears as he apologized to the audience.
This retirement brought an end to his remarkable 26-match winning streak on hard courts—a record built since the 2024 US Open. With only about a week to recover (US Open starts August 24), the short timeline makes Sinner’s fitness a major concern. As a player who relies heavily on power, speed, and endurance, Sinner is vulnerable in long five-set Grand Slam matches. Tennis history has seen similar cases: for example, Rafael Nadal has withdrawn before Grand Slams due to injury and then struggled to regain form afterward.
Nevertheless, Sinner is still highly regarded for his ability to recover quickly. As Alcaraz noted: “He’s a true champion, and from situations like this, he’ll come back even stronger, just as he always does.” If Sinner manages his physical condition well, he can turn adversity into motivation, but it’s clear this is the biggest personal challenge threatening his title defense.
Extreme weather in the US and its impact on Sinner
The US Open is famous for its harsh weather conditions, and 2025 is expected to be no different. The tournament takes place in late summer in New York, with temperatures typically ranging from 25-35°C, humidity as high as 70-90%, and the threat of storms or strong winds. According to meteorological forecasts, there could be scorching hot days mixed with rain showers, causing schedule disruptions—a recurring issue in previous years, forcing players to compete late or back-to-back.
Physical endurance is the biggest hurdle for Sinner as he tries to defend his US Open title
The Cincinnati event clearly demonstrated the impact of the weather. Sinner described the tournament as “one of the hottest we’ve ever faced,” with stifling heat affecting him from the very beginning. Alcaraz also admitted the oppressive conditions contributed to Sinner’s struggles. Coming from Italy’s mild climate, Sinner may be at a disadvantage compared to opponents more familiar with extreme weather, such as Alcaraz (Spain) or Djokovic (Serbia). Hot, humid conditions can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and cramps—especially risky for Sinner after being ill.
To reduce risks, US Open organizers have upgraded the main court roof and made the schedule more flexible, but these improvements don’t fully eliminate the challenge. For Sinner, the weather affects not just his physical state but also his mental focus, especially since he needs to defend 2,000 points from last year’s victory. If he can’t adapt well, this could become an “invisible enemy” making his mission harder than ever.
Main competitors
Competition at the 2025 US Open will be intense, with two main rivals: Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, both capable of dethroning Sinner at any time.
Carlos Alcaraz stands out as Sinner’s fiercest rival. After his victory in Cincinnati, Alcaraz leads their head-to-head 9-5, with four consecutive finals this season (Rome, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, Cincinnati). At 22, Alcaraz is in top form, boasting six titles in 2025 (ATP leader), 54 wins, and eight Masters 1000 trophies. He has claimed Monte-Carlo, Rome, and now Cincinnati, extending his winning streak at this level to 17 matches. Moreover, after deducting the points each needs to defend (Sinner loses 2,000, Alcaraz 50), Alcaraz holds a 60-point advantage (9,540 versus 9,480). This turns the US Open into a direct battle for the No. 1 ranking: Sinner must go at least one round further than Alcaraz to keep his spot, and if they meet in the final, the winner will take the top position.
Novak Djokovic, the “King of Grand Slams” with 24 titles, remains a major threat even at 38 years old. After winning Olympic gold in 2024, Djokovic is resting to prepare for the US Open, where he’s triumphed many times and excels on hard courts. With vast experience, Djokovic can exploit Sinner’s physical weaknesses, especially if they meet in the later rounds. He’s chasing yet another record, and only Sinner and Alcaraz stand in his way for No. 1 or No. 2.
The 2025 US Open will be a true test for the new generation of tennis, where Sinner could cement his status or watch Alcaraz claim the crown. But if both fail, remember that Djokovic’s hunger remains as strong as ever…
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