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Carlos Alcaraz has been applauded for his behaviour towards Jannik Sinner after the Italian had to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open final. The two tennis icons faced off for the fourth time this year in the Ohio decider before illness forced Sinner to bow out at 5-0 down in the first set.

The pair have already played out two epics on the Grand Slam stage this year. Alcaraz pulled off one of the all-time great comebacks to retain the French Open crown before Sinner got his revenge in the Wimbledon final. And the duo were reunited at the Lindner Family Tennis Centre, where Alcaraz picked up his eighth Masters 1000 title. But there were no signs of jubilation from the world No. 2 as Sinner confirmed he couldn't go on.

The Spaniard's first priority was instead to comfort his opponent in a time of distress. He shrugged off Sinner's apologies over something outside of his control, reassuring him: "No, no worries. The first thing is to stay healthy."

Alcaraz then gave Sinner some space before returning to offer an arm around the shoulder as he continued to comfort his nemesis. Sinner's frustration was clear as he continued to explain his situation, while Alcaraz could be heard repeating: "Don't worry."

Sinner did manage to deliver a post-match speech to the audience in Ohio as his competition came to a crushing end. And the Italian was all apologies that he couldn't give those in attendance the spectacle they deserved.

"Usually I start with the opponent, but today I have to start with you guys. I'm super, super sorry to disappoint you," he told the crowd. "From yesterday I didn't feel great. I thought I would improve during the night. It came up worse. I tried to come out and make it at least a small match but I couldn't handle more. I'm very very sorry for all of you.

"I know some of you on Monday maybe [have] to work or do something else, so I'm very very sorry. Of course, Carlos, congrats. Another title. Not the way you wanted to win, but it's amazing what kind of season you're producing. You and your whole team are doing amazing. Keep it up. I wish you only all the best for the US Open and the rest of the season."

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Alacaraz, who wrote "Sorry Jannik" on a camera lens, addressed the fans himself and reiterated that the retirement was "not the way I want to win matches." He also hailed Sinner as "a true champion," and one he is sure will "come back stronger" despite the setback in Cincinnati.

"I'm so sorry for Jannik! Nobody likes to win because their opponent retires, especially in a final like this," he later wrote on X. "Wishing you a speedy recovery! Very happy with my week in Cincinnati and feeling ready for the US Open."

The timing is terrible for Sinner given the US Open singles competition is only days away. However, there are hopes he'll be fit in time to take part in the fourth and final Grand Slam of 2025.

The same can't be said for his mixed doubles campaign with Katerina Siniakova, which is due to get underway on Tuesday but is now in major doubt. Alcaraz, meanwhile, is poised to line up with Emma Raducanu as they go up against Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper.