India, Aug. 19 -- Carlos Alcaraz clinched his maiden ATP Cincinnati Open title on Tuesday after world number 1 Jannik Sinner retired due to illness in the first set of the men's singles final. Sinner decided that he couldn't continue after Alcaraz had a scintillating start to the final with a 5-0 lead in the first set. Alcaraz looked in top form as Sinner, battling illness, found it hard to keep up. The Spaniard dominated the opening set before last year's champion was forced to retire.

The Cincinnati final was the fourth meeting of the season between Alcaraz and Sinner, two rising stars whose rivalry has already produced title clashes in Rome, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon. Another thrilling showdown was anticipated, but Sinner's illness...