Everyone Is Talking About Carlos Alcaraz’s Classy Move in the Cincinnati Final
Image via Wikimedia Commons/Kuberzog
Carlos Alcaraz has built his reputation in tennis with explosive movement and precise shot-making, but in Cincinnati, it was his reaction after the final that drew the most attention. The match against Jannik Sinner ended early when the world No. 1 retired due to illness, and Alcaraz’s behavior became the story of the night.
The Match Ended Abruptly
The Cincinnati Open final lasted only 22 minutes. Sinner started poorly, committed nine unforced errors, and fell behind 5-0. At the changeover, he sat with an ice pack on his head. Soon after, he told officials and trainers he could not continue. “I cannot move – I feel like I can collapse,” he said.
The early retirement cut short what many expected to be another classic battle between the sport’s top two players. It also ended Sinner’s 12-match winning streak, snapped a run of 26 straight hard-court victories, and halted his attempt to become the first man since Roger Federer to defend the Cincinnati title.
Alcaraz’s Classy Gesture
When the umpire announced the withdrawal, Alcaraz did not raise his arms or show excitement. He went straight to Sinner’s bench to check on him. Cameras caught him leaning down, speaking in a low voice, and making sure his rival was okay. He then picked up a marker and wrote on the camera lens: “Sorry, Jannik.”
But his show of sportsmanship did not end there. During the trophy ceremony, Alcaraz turned his remarks away from himself and spoke directly to his rival. “This isn’t the way I want to win matches,” he said. “You are truly a champion. I’m pretty sure you will come back better, even stronger.”
Fans Praised Alcaraz for His Conduct
Fans were quick to praise Alcaraz for handling the situation and called him a model of sportsmanship. Journalists described the exchange between the two players as “beautiful scenes.”
After leaving the court, Alcaraz echoed the same message online and wrote, “Nobody likes to win because their opponent retires, especially in a final like this. Wishing you a speedy recovery!”
The Cincinnati trophy was Alcaraz’s eighth Masters 1000 title.