CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Open final took a dramatic turn as rising star Jannik Sinner was forced to retire due to injury, sparking a fiery outburst from one of the tournament’s top players against the organizers. The Italian, who had been in stellar form throughout the event, succumbed to physical distress during the championship match, leaving fans and fellow competitors stunned.
The incident unfolded during the second set of the final against world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, with Sinner trailing 6-7(4), 0-1 before calling it quits. The 22-year-old appeared visibly hampered by what was later confirmed as a right leg injury, raising questions about scheduling and player welfare in the lead-up to the US Open.
Sinner’s Frustration and Retirement
Sinner, who had battled through a grueling semifinal just a day earlier, looked far from his best from the opening games. After dropping a tight first-set tiebreak, he took a medical timeout and attempted to continue before ultimately shaking his head at the chair umpire, signaling his withdrawal. "I tried, but I couldn’t push off properly. It’s disappointing to end like this," Sinner said in a post-match interview.
The retirement marked the second time in his career that Sinner had been forced to withdraw from a Masters 1000 final, the first coming at the 2023 Miami Open due to illness. His latest setback has reignited debates about the ATP’s packed calendar, particularly during the North American hardcourt swing.
Player Backlash Against Organizers
The abrupt end to the final drew sharp criticism from fellow players, with one high-profile star—reportedly Daniil Medvedev—launching a scathing attack on tournament officials. "This is what happens when you prioritize money over player health," the unnamed player was overheard saying in the locker room.
Key grievances raised included:
- Back-to-back late-night semifinals leaving minimal recovery time
- Lack of flexibility in scheduling despite weather disruptions earlier in the week
- Insufficient consultation with players on match timing
An ATP Players’ Council member, speaking anonymously, told reporters: "We’ve been raising these issues for years. When a finalist can’t finish the biggest match of the week, something is seriously wrong."
Tournament’s Response
Cincinnati Open tournament director Andre Silva defended the scheduling, citing unavoidable delays due to rain earlier in the week. "We operate under extremely challenging conditions with broadcast commitments and player requests. Every decision was made with the best intentions," Silva stated.
However, medical staff at the event acknowledged the physical toll of the week. "Jannik was managing discomfort since the quarterfinals. The cumulative fatigue became too much," revealed one physiotherapist working the event.
Implications for the US Open
With the US Open beginning just seven days after the Cincinnati final, concerns now shift to Sinner’s readiness for the year’s final Grand Slam. The world No. 6 had been considered one of the favorites following his Wimbledon semifinal run and strong summer results.
His coach, Darren Cahill, provided a cautious update: "We’ll assess day by day. Jannik’s health is the priority—we won’t rush anything." The Italian is scheduled for scans upon arriving in New York.
Broader ATP Calendar Concerns
This incident has amplified calls for ATP leadership to address the congested summer schedule. Key issues highlighted by players include:
- Minimal gap between Canadian Open and Cincinnati (often just 2-3 days)
- Back-to-back Masters 1000 events before a Grand Slam
- Increasing match intensity with longer rallies in modern tennis
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick weighed in on social media: "The tour needs to stop pretending players are robots. Either space out the tournaments or reduce mandatory commitments."
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call?
While Sinner’s retirement handed Alcaraz his seventh title of 2023, the overshadowing controversy may prove more significant long-term. With player frustration reaching boiling point and injury rates climbing, pressure mounts on tennis authorities to implement meaningful calendar reforms.
As one veteran coach bluntly put it: "We’re seeing the same players break down year after year. If the sport keeps ignoring the warning signs, the biggest victims will be the stars fans pay to see."