The Cincinnati Open, a cornerstone of the North American hard-court swing, is buzzing with anticipation as world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz arrives at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, ready to challenge for the coveted ATP Masters 1000 title. Fresh off a month-long break following his Wimbledon final loss to Jannik Sinner, the 22-year-old Spaniard was spotted on the practice courts, honing his game alongside former world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev. Alcaraz’s return to competitive tennis marks his first appearance since that dramatic defeat at the All England Club, and he’s laser-focused on wresting the Cincinnati crown from defending champion Sinner, setting the stage for a potential showdown that could reshape the race for the ATP’s top ranking.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, with a 48-6 win-loss record and five ATP titles, including triumphs at the French Open, Monte Carlo Masters, Italian Open, Queen’s Club Championships, and Rotterdam Open. His dominance across clay, grass, and hard courts has solidified his status as one of tennis’s brightest stars. Yet, the sting of his Wimbledon loss to Sinner, where he fell 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4, lingers. That match ended his 24-match win streak and his bid for a third consecutive Wimbledon title, a rare setback for a player who has won five Grand Slams, including the 2022 US Open. “I had a very tough loss in Paris. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter how you win or you lose the important tournaments. You just have to understand what you did wrong,” Sinner said after his Wimbledon victory, a sentiment Alcaraz is likely internalizing as he prepares for Cincinnati.
The Spaniard’s history at the Cincinnati Open is a mix of near-misses and frustration. In 2023, he reached the final, only to fall to Novak Djokovic in an epic three-set thriller, widely regarded as one of the greatest Masters 1000 finals in history. Last year, however, Alcaraz suffered a shocking second-round loss to Gael Monfils, a match he later called “the worst match that I’ve ever played in my career.” His frustration boiled over as he smashed his racket multiple times, an uncharacteristic outburst for the usually composed star. “I couldn’t control myself, because, as I said, I was feeling that I was not playing any kind of tennis,” Alcaraz admitted post-match. Determined to rewrite that narrative, he’s now back in Ohio, aiming for a deeper run and his first Cincinnati title.
Alcaraz’s practice sessions in Cincinnati have been intense, with the Spaniard fine-tuning his explosive forehand and signature drop shots. His encounter with Sinner on the practice courts, captured by tournament social media, added a lighthearted moment to their fierce rivalry. The two, who have faced off in the finals of the last three tournaments they both played—Roland Garros, Rome, and Wimbledon—share a mutual respect. “I’m just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level,” Alcaraz said after defeating Sinner in the 2025 Italian Open final. Their head-to-head stands at 8-5 in Alcaraz’s favor, but Sinner’s recent Wimbledon win snapped a five-match losing streak against the Spaniard, making their potential Cincinnati clash a must-watch.
Sinner, the world No. 1 and defending champion, enters Cincinnati under a slight injury cloud after withdrawing from the Canadian Open due to a hip issue. His 2024 Cincinnati title, won against Frances Tiafoe, propelled him to US Open glory, and he’s eager to defend his crown. Alcaraz, seeded second, faces a tougher draw, starting with either Monfils or Alexei Popyrin in the second round after a first-round bye. Potential matchups include Holger Rune in the third round, Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals, and Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals. Sinner, meanwhile, opens against a qualifier or Vit Kopriva, with Tommy Paul as a possible fourth-round opponent. “I stayed strong mentally,” Alcaraz said after his Roland Garros triumph over Sinner, a mindset he’ll need to navigate Cincinnati’s challenges.
The Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry, often compared to the legendary Federer-Nadal battles, has captivated tennis fans. Their 2025 Roland Garros final, a five-and-a-half-hour epic where Alcaraz rallied from two sets down to win 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(10-2), showcased their ability to push each other to new heights. “Our challenges, like the latest ones at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, are always highly anticipated,” Alcaraz noted, emphasizing the excitement their matchups generate. With both players eyeing the world No. 1 spot—Sinner currently leads by 4800 ATP points—Cincinnati is a critical battleground. A title here could give Alcaraz the momentum to reclaim the top ranking at the US Open, where he’s a two-time champion.
As Alcaraz prepares to take on Cincinnati’s lightning-fast courts, his mental approach is bolstered by five years of working with a mental coach. “I really feel the difference compared to the past,” he said, crediting the coaching for helping him manage stress and negative thoughts. With the US Open looming, Alcaraz’s focus is clear: erase the memory of last year’s early exit and challenge Sinner’s dominance. The Cincinnati Open, with its star-studded field including Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Nick Kyrgios’s return, promises high-stakes drama. For Alcaraz, it’s not just about a trophy—it’s about proving he can conquer his rival and cement his legacy as tennis’s next great champion.
Carlos 🤝 Cincinnati pic.twitter.com/T2cVhs26nS
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 5, 2025
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