Carlos Alcaraz's classy act melts hearts after Jannik Sinner retires ill from Cincinnati Open final
Meeting Alcaraz in the final for the fourth time this year on Tuesday (AEDT), an out-of-sorts Sinner quickly fell behind 5-0 in the first set on the back of nine unforced errors.
The Wimbledon champion was seen with an icepack on his head during a brief break at the end of the fifth game before pulling the pin just 22 minutes into the match, telling his team he felt like he was about to collapse.
Sinner told trainers and a tournament official: 'I cannot move – I feel like I can collapse.'
He apologised to fans as medics rushed over to treat him.
Sinner was heard saying: 'I tried, but I can't. I'm sorry for the fans.'
The 24-year-old was on a 12-match winning streak and had won 26 straight matches on hard courts, and was only defeated by illness.
It also halted his bid at becoming the first player to win back-to-back men's Cincinnati Open titles since Roger Federer in 2014 and '15.
You can watch the Sinner incident in the video above
Sinner cast an emotional figure as he sat down before Alcaraz came over to console him in truly beautiful scenes.
Speaking from the heart as he received his runner-up trophy, Sinner told fans: 'I'm super sorry to disappoint you. From yesterday, I didn't feel great.
'I thought I would during the night, but it got worse.
'I tried to come out and make it a small match, but I couldn't handle more. I'm very sorry for all of you.
'I know some of you on Monday have to work or do something else, so I'm really sorry.'
Sinner also congratulated Alcaraz on the victory, which was the 22-year-old's eighth Masters title.
He added: 'Congrats to Carlos for another title. For sure, not the way you wanted it but it's amazing what kind of season you are producing.
'To you and your team, I wish you the best for the US Open and the rest of the season.
'To my team, thank you for pushing me every day and understanding me and the situation today.
'I'm sorry to disappoint, but sometimes it's like this and we have to accept it.
'It's been one of the hottest tournaments we have faced, so thank you for all of the support and organisation.'
Carlos Alcaraz's classy act
Alcaraz admitted it was not the way he wanted to win the game before also issuing an apology.
But in a classy gesture, he called Sinner a 'true champion' and declared that he would 'come back better, even stronger'.
He also wrote the words 'sorry Jannik' with a sad face on a TV camera.
The 22-year-old then took to social media after leaving the court to again offer a message of support to Sinner.
'I'm so sorry for Jannik! Nobody likes to win because their opponent retires, especially in a final like this. Wishing you a speedy recovery! �Very happy with my week in Cincinnati and feeling ready for the US Open!' he wrote on X.
And the tennis world was quick to heap praise on the Spaniard for his classy response.
'Congratulations, Carlitos! You are such an exemplary tennis player on and off the court,' one fan commented.
'What a classy young man, truly selfless! Great sportsmanship Carlitos,' another wrote.
While veteran tennis journalist Jose Morgado wrote on X: 'Carlos Alcaraz wins his 8th career Masters 1000 title. Beautiful scenes in the end between both players.'
Sinner's withdrawal has also sparked fears over his participation in the US Open.
The Italian ace is due to play alongside Czech tennis star KateÅ™ina Siniaková in the mixed doubles event against Alexander Zverev and Belinda Bencic in the round of 16 tomorrow.
The main draw for the men's singles at the US Open will commence on Sunday.
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