'That's what real champions do and you really are one': Carlos Alcaraz shares heartwarming get well soon message to Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz lifted the Cincinnati Open trophy on Sunday, but the Spaniard admitted it was not the way he wanted to win after Jannik Sinner was forced to retire during the final.

Alcaraz went 5-0 up in the opening set with Sinner being physically hampered and he looked exhausted and out on his feet. He called the physio and doctor afterwards and decided to retire in a sad abrupt ending to the final which promised so much in the outset. They both now move on to the mixed doubles at the US Open albeit whether Sinner in particular plays it is another matter.

Alcaraz is set to team with Emma Raducanu tomorrow to face the team of Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula and will immediately be back in action. “Well, yeah, I mean, as you said, Jannik, this is not the way that I want to win matches, to win trophies,” Alcaraz said on court as per Tennis Channel. “I just have to say sorry. I know and I understand how you can feel right now. But I can’t say anything you don’t already know. As I’ve said many, many times, you are truly, truly champions. I’m pretty sure that from these situations you are going to come back better, even stronger than you always do. That’s what real champions do, and you are really one. So sorry — and come back stronger.”

The world No. 2 then turned his attention to the people closest to him, paying tribute to his team for their relentless work during another demanding week on tour. “Right now I just want to continue with my team. Tennis is just a tournament that you play in a week — such a long week, a week and a half, let’s say — and we just build a really healthy atmosphere off the court, which I’m really proud of,” he said. “I’m really grateful for having you by my side every day, supporting me, working really, really hard, and pushing me to the limit. So I just have to say thank you to my team, not only for this week, but for all the work you’re putting into me. Thank you.”

Praising organisers and fans

Alcaraz also praised the organisers in Cincinnati, highlighting the improvements players experienced this year. “Everyone who makes this tournament possible, it’s always been a great, great tournament for me. I think this year it’s even better,” he said. “The changes they made in just one year have been amazing for the players, and I would say for the people outside as well. We just feel more comfortable on site, having our time between matches. We just feel great off the court, and that’s thanks to the work you’re doing every year, every day. So I just have to say thank you for the week. It has been a pleasure being part of the tournament this year.”

The 21-year-old reserved special thanks for the Cincinnati fans, who he said have supported him throughout the tournament. “The people here have always been great for tennis — and I have to say, for me as well,” he reflected. “In every practice, in every match, I’ve felt the love from the people, which I truly appreciate. It’s a pleasure playing in front of all of you.”

Finally, Alcaraz admitted that his victory carried an extra personal significance after the disappointment of 2023. “I just wanted this tournament. Back in 2023, I lost that final, and since that moment I really wanted to lift this trophy one year,” he said. “And just for the support I’ve received from day one, this is all for you as well.”

Match Statistics Sinner vs. Alcaraz