A surprising ending

The Cincinnati Open final   between  Carlos Alcaraz  and  Jannik Sinner  should have been one of the most anticipated matches of the season. Instead, after just 23 minutes, Sinner was forced to retire, visibly weakened by a fit that forced him to leave the court with the score already a merciless  0-5  in favor of Alcaraz.

The match, which promised to be a thrilling one, turned into a moment of great disappointment for Italian fans and, at the same time, an opportunity for reflection for tennis fans around the world.

The words that surprised everyone

At the end of the match, during the press conference, Alcaraz didn’t celebrate excessively, despite having won his  22nd ATP title . Instead, he let out a comment that went around the world:
“He doesn’t deserve to be treated like this.”

A short but intense statement, which immediately attracted the attention of the media and fans.

A message of comfort… or something more?

Alcaraz’s words were interpreted by many as a gesture of respect towards Sinner, a way to emphasize that the defeat was not the result of poor quality but of unfortunate circumstances. However, not everyone interpreted the message in the same spirit: some saw the phrase as excessive compassion, almost as if it underscored Sinner’s fragility at that moment.

A debate has erupted on social media: some have praised  Alcaraz’s sportsmanship  , while others believe the Spanish champion should have avoided such direct comments to avoid fueling further controversy.

The fans’ reaction

Contrasting opinions quickly spread. Many Italian fans appreciated the gesture, seeing it as a sign of  deep rivalry but also of mutual respect  between two of the strongest young players in world tennis. Others, however, accused Alcaraz of rubbing salt in the wound at an already delicate time for Sinner.

Comments like  “A true champion shows respect even in victory”  and  “Sinner didn’t need to be defended, but silenced”  multiplied.

An increasingly intense rivalry

What’s certain is that the episode adds a new chapter to the already intense rivalry between  Sinner and Alcaraz , a rivalry that continues to enthrall millions of fans around the world. It’s not just about the matches on the court, but also the statements, attitudes, and gestures that end up defining the narrative of this generation of tennis players.

Every word and every gesture becomes fuel for a rivalry that will most likely shape the history of tennis for the next ten years.

Conclusion

Alcaraz’s statement—  “He doesn’t deserve to be treated like this”  —didn’t go unnoticed. It divided fans, sparked media debate, and demonstrated once again that this rivalry is much more than just a tennis match.

Ultimately, what makes sport great is not just the points and trophies, but also the moments of  humanity, respect and emotional tension  that emerge when the greatest champions meet on the world stage.