ATP Tour

From tears to triumph: How Alcaraz claimed Cincinnati redemption

Carlos Alcaraz came within a point of the Cincinnati Open title in 2023, only for Novak Djokovic to snatch it away in an epic final that left the Spaniard in tears during the trophy ceremony. Two years on, Alcaraz has claimed redemption.

After a shocking early exit in 2024, when he uncharacteristically smashed his racquet in frustration during a three-set loss to Gael Monfils, the 22-year-old’s wait for a Cincinnati trophy ended Monday. The Spaniard’s rival Jannik Sinner was forced to retire, due to illness, after a mere 23 minutes.

“I'm just really, really happy to be able to leave with the trophy,” Alcaraz said in his post-match press conference. “Since I lost that final in 2023, I wanted this trophy really, really badly. I’m just really proud and happy to be able to lift it.”

While Alcaraz’s Cincy defeat to Djokovic remains his lone loss in a Masters 1000 final, this year’s title match proved anticlimactic despite the heavy buildup.

Sinner won just eight points across five games, eventually retiring after calling the doctor and physio to court. It was not hard to see that the Italian was far below his usual World No. 1 standard.

“I think after the third game, I noticed that he wasn't feeling good at all,” Alcaraz said of Sinner. “I know him. I've been battling against him, the last two years, having great matches, great battles. And I know his style. I know his game.

“After the third game, I noticed that he was more aggressive than he used to be. He was missing more often and [missing] before the third shot. That is pretty weird from him. So I just noticed that his body language wasn’t the best.”

Alcaraz now holds eight ATP Masters 1000 trophies, the most of any active player besides Djokovic’s record 40. Before Alcaraz makes his way to New York for the US Open and continues his quest to reclaim World No. 1 honours, the 22-time tour-level titlist is allowing himself a lighthearted celebration in southwest Ohio.

“I will try to enjoy this last dinner in Cincinnati with my team, [having] a really good burger here,” said Alcaraz, who will partner Emma Raducanu in the US Open mixed doubles event, which begins Tuesday.

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