Sick Sinner hands Alcaraz first blood in US fight

CARLOS Alcaraz won the ATP Cincinnati Open title after defending champion Jannik Sinner was forced to retire due to illness in the opening set.

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World N o 1 Sinner began the final feeling unwell, dropping the first seven points before conceding at 5-0 down in hot, 30°C conditions. The contest lasted just 22 minutes, with the Italian calling for the doctor after losing the fifth game before shaking hands with Alcaraz.

Sinner will now focus on his recovery ahead of the US Open, which begins this weekend. He is also scheduled to play in the tournament’s revamped mixed doubles on Tuesday, but his participation remains in serious doubt.