The 2025 Cincinnati Open final, anticipated as a thrilling chapter in the rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, ended abruptly when Sinner retired due to illness. On Monday, Sinner, visibly unwell, conceded the match with the score at 0-5 in the first set, allowing Alcaraz to secure his eighth Masters 1000 title. This victory marked a crucial confidence boost for Alcaraz as he prepares for the US Open, especially after his recent loss to Sinner in the Wimbledon final.
Andy Roddick Urges Alcaraz to Keep Distance from Sinner’s Contagion
Despite the solid performance from Alcaraz, tennis legend Andy Roddick expressed concern over the Spaniard’s close contact with Sinner during the tournament. On his show ‘Served with Andy Roddick,’ he highlighted what he sees as Alcaraz’s main mistake amid the Cincinnati Open.
The only error Carlos [Alcaraz] made all week was his proximity to [Jannik] Sinner once we suspected Sinner was not feeling well,
said Roddick.
Carlos, get away from him if he’s sick!
Roddick emphasized avoiding hugs or close interactions, advising Alcaraz’s coaching team to insist he keeps distance to reduce the risk of catching the illness. He underlined the urgency with the US Open approaching, pointing to Alcaraz’s remarkable run as a reason to stay healthy and focused.
You have the US Open coming up. You have made the finals of your last seven events; every event he has played since Miami, he has made at least the finals of,
Roddick noted.
Alcaraz’s Impressive Run Across Major Tournaments in 2025
Roddick’s comments come as Alcaraz continues a stunning streak this season, reaching the finals in multiple major events. His results include:
- 2025 Monte-Carlo Masters – defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the final
- 2025 Barcelona Open – runner-up to Holger Rune
- 2025 Italian Open – defeated Jannik Sinner in the final
- 2025 French Open – defeated Jannik Sinner in the final
- 2025 Queen’s Club Championships – defeated Jiri Lehecka in the final
- 2025 Wimbledon – lost to Jannik Sinner in the final
- 2025 Cincinnati Open – defeated Jannik Sinner in the final
Concerns Over Jannik Sinner’s Health Ahead of New York
The 42-year-old American also commented on Sinner’s uncertain condition ahead of the US Open, casting doubt on his ability to compete in both singles and mixed doubles.
We hope Sinner is healthy. If he has a four or five-day bug. You don’t want to say it, but if it’s something, that is going to be a rough one physically to get ready for,
Roddick said, highlighting the physical challenge to rebound quickly.
With Sinner originally slated to play mixed doubles alongside star Katerina Siniakova, Roddick advised caution for her as well:
If you are [Katerina] Siniakova, I am going full Alcaraz on you too! Don’t stand next to him.
At least she has the upside of a million dollars if she plays with him.
Though Sinner’s participation in mixed doubles now appears unlikely, his readiness for the singles draw remains uncertain. Should he recover in time, he will seek to regain lost momentum before their potential US Open meeting.
Alcaraz Maintains Upper Hand Over Sinner as US Open Looms
Heading into the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz leads the head-to-head series against Jannik Sinner 9-5. While Sinner had recently snapped a losing streak against Alcaraz by winning the Wimbledon final, his illness in Cincinnati has shifted advantage back to the Spaniard. This ongoing rivalry continues to draw attention as both prepare for their opening matches, starting Sunday, August 24.
With form and fitness both in question, these two rivals represent the front line of men’s tennis, making their potential showdown in New York a highly anticipated yet uncertain event. Andy Roddick’s warnings underscore the seriousness of health management ahead of one of the sport’s biggest stages.