World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the US Open mixed doubles event after retiring from the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz due to illness on Monday. The Italian said he felt unwell on Sunday and worsened overnight, forcing him to stop playing after just five games, trailing 5-0 in the first set.
Sinner had confirmed his participation in the new-look mixed doubles event earlier on Monday, partnering Katerina Siniakova. However, following his retirement, he decided to focus on recovery ahead of the singles competition. The US Open confirmed that the pair have been replaced by Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison, who had the highest combined singles ranking among alternate teams.
Sinner apologised to fans in a social media post, congratulating Alcaraz and his team. He stressed the need for rest before the US Open singles, where he is the defending champion. The 24-year-old allayed fears of injury by clarifying his withdrawal was due to illness.
Alcaraz, whose Cincinnati final lasted only 24 minutes, will now partner Emma Raducanu in the mixed doubles. They face top seeds Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula. Iga Swiatek, who won the women's Cincinnati title, will also play mixed doubles with Casper Ruud.
