Carlos Alcaraz has sent a message to Jannik Sinner following his difficult retirement in the Cincinnati Open final.
Alcaraz defeated Sinner in Cincinnati after just five games, in a match where the World No. 1 looked incredibly out of sorts.
Sinner made a heartbreaking statement ahead of retirement, and Alcaraz didn’t take long to message his great rival.
The star spent much of his post-match interview sending a message to Sinner following his abrupt exit from the tournament.
Carlos Alcaraz says ‘sorry’ to Jannik Sinner after Cincinnati Open final
Alcaraz looked as upset as Sinner by his default win at the Cincinnati Open, despite the huge money and ranking boost.
“As you said Jannik this isn’t the way I want to win matches, to win a trophy. I just gotta say sorry,” said Alcaraz after the match.
“I know and understand how you can feel right now. All I can say… as I said many many times, you are truly a champion,” added Alcaraz.
“I’m pretty sure from this situation you’re gonna come back better, even stronger. You always do. That’s what true champions do. You really are one,” continued Alcaraz. “Sorry and come back stronger.”
Alcaraz is set to play the US Open Mixed Doubles tournament with Emma Raducanu on August 19.
What Jannik Sinner’s retirement means for the US Open
Fans were bemused by the scheduling of the US Open Mixed Doubles tournament, but Alcaraz’s end to the Cincinnati Open could work in his favour.
The Spaniard came up against an injured Alexander Zverev and an ill Sinner in his last two matches, meaning he sauntered to victory in both.
That could mean he’s able to make his long-awaited debut with Raducanu at Flushing Meadows after all.
That theory will truly be tested tomorrow when the much-anticipated tournament kicks off in Queens.