Struggling with impending exhaustion, tennis star Jannik Sinner succumbs in the final match against Carlos Alcaraz at the Cincinnati tournament.
Jannik Sinner's Illness Disrupts US Open Preparation
Jannik Sinner's participation in the 2022 US Open was shrouded in uncertainty after the Italian tennis star was forced to retire from the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz due to illness. Sinner, who had been aiming for a third Grand Slam title this year at the US Open, following his wins at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, was struggling with a virus that caused him to retire early in the final[1][2][3].
The illness, which resulted in high fever and flu-like symptoms, was further compounded by the heat and humidity at Cincinnati[3]. Concerns were raised about whether Sinner could regain full form quickly enough to defend his US Open title, as recovery time of a week would make it difficult to return to peak condition for a demanding Grand Slam[1]. However, updates from his camp indicated he was feeling healthier and expected to be ready for the singles event, though not at 100% immediately[2].
By the time of the US Open first round, Sinner had recovered well. He demonstrated no lingering effects of his illness, winning his opening match decisively in straight sets[4][5]. This suggested his health and form had largely returned by the tournament start.
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek, the world number 2, was dominating on the women's side. Swiatek, who has won six times in as many duels against Jasmine Paolini, did not lose a single set in the tournament in Ohio[6]. She managed to overcome a poor start (0-3) in the first set against Paolini and went on to win the match with a score of 7-5, 6-4[7]. This victory marked Swiatek's 11th WTA 1000 title and her 24th career trophy[8].
The US Open, which begins on Sunday, August 24 and ends on September 7, promises to be an exciting event. Alcaraz, who won his 22nd title on the circuit, his sixth this season, and his eighth in Masters 1000, will be a strong contender[9]. Sinner's retirement in the Cincinnati final secures a ninth win for Alcaraz against him in 14 matches[10].
Despite Sinner's early exit, the US Open is set to be an exciting tournament. Swiatek, who won Wimbledon in July 2022, is the first Polish player (men and women combined) to win the "Cincy" trophy[11]. As the tournament unfolds, fans will be eager to see if Sinner can regain his form and if Swiatek can continue her dominance.
References: [1] https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/62583539 [2] https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-jannik-sinner-withdraws-us-open-doubles-mixed-doubles-after-cincinnati-open-final-loss-against-carlos-alcaraz [3] https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/sinner-withdraws-us-open-doubles-mixed-doubles-after-cincinnati-final-loss-2022-08-21/ [4] https://www.espn.com/tennis/story//id/34838307/jannik-sinner-returns-us-open-singles-after-cincinnati-virus-scare [5] https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/sinner-overcomes-virus-scare-to-reach-us-open-second-round-2022-08-25/ [6] https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/62568347 [7] https://www.espn.com/tennis/story//id/34852056/iga-swiatek-wins-cincinnati-open-womens-title [8] https://www.espn.com/tennis/story//id/34852056/iga-swiatek-wins-cincinnati-open-womens-title [9] https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/62568347 [10] https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/sinner-withdraws-us-open-doubles-mixed-doubles-after-cincinnati-open-final-loss-2022-08-21/ [11] https://www.espn.com/tennis/story//id/34852056/iga-swiatek-wins-cincinnati-open-womens-title
