Weary transgressor forfeits, Alcaraz clinches victory in Cincinnati tournament.
In a dramatic turn of events at the Cincinnati Open, 19-year-old Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious after his opponent, Jannik Sinner, retired due to exhaustion during the final.
Alcaraz, who was clearly superior to his injured opponent, led Sinner 5-0 after just 22 minutes of play. The final match was played in conditions that were over 30 degrees, which may have contributed to Sinner's struggle to keep up with Alcaraz.
Sinner, who was also scheduled to participate in the US Open mixed doubles event with Katerina Siniakova, withdrew from the tournament less than a day after his retirement in Cincinnati. Their place in the mixed doubles event was taken by alternates Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison.
Alcaraz, who won the hardcourt tournament in Cincinnati, did not win the final in a traditional manner. After securing his victory, he wrote "Sorry, Jannik" into a TV camera, showing his respect for his exhausted opponent.
Meanwhile, in the semi-finals, Alexander Zverev lost his match to Alcaraz, setting the stage for the young Spaniard's impressive win.
The US Open mixed doubles event, where Sinner's participation is uncertain, begins on Tuesday (local time). Notable players in the event include Belinda Bencic.
[1] CBS Sports
[2] ESPN
[3] Sports Illustrated
[4] BBC Sport
