Jannik Sinner issued a grovelling apology to Carlos Alcaraz after he was forced to retire from the Cincinnati Open final. The young Italian withdrew from the match after just 23 minutes after failing to recover from a nasty illness. He looked out of sorts from the first game, in which he was broken to love, and was unable to get into his groove as Alcaraz raced into the lead.

Sinner was responsible for a string of uncharacteristic errors and was seen walking gingerly between points. After he was broken for the third time to go 5-0 down, he called for his trainer and said that he could not continue. The reigning Wimbledon champion buried his head in his hands as the umpire confirmed that he had retired due to illness.

In his on-court interview, a downbeat Sinner apologised to Alcaraz several times and opened up on the reason behind his withdrawal.

"Usually I'd start with the opponent but today I have to start with you guys," he began. "I'm super super sorry to disappoint you. From yesterday I didn't feel great. I thought it would improve during the night but it came up worse.

"I tried to make it at least a small match but I couldn't handle more. I know people on Mondays have to work and do something else, so I'm really really sorry.

"Of course, Carlos, congrats on the title, not the way you wanted to but it's amazing the kind of season you are producing and your whole team. Keep it up and I wish you all the best for the US Open and the rest of the season.

"To my team, thank you for pushing me every day because it's not easy when we travel around the world the whole year. Thank you for understanding the situation today. I'm very sorry to disappoint but sometimes it's like this and we have to accept it."

Alcaraz, meanwhile, showed his true colours by signing the camera with a heartfelt message to Sinner. It read: "Sorry Jannik," accompanied by a drawing of a sad face.

In his own interview, the Spaniard said: "As you said, Jannik, it's not the way I want to win matches and win trophies. I have to say sorry, I understand how you feel right now.

"I can't say anything you don't know, really, but as I said many times you are a true champion and you will come back stronger, you always do. That is what true champions do and you are a great one, so I'm sorry and you will come back stronger."

Sinner now finds himself in a race against time to be fit for the US Open, which gets underway later this week. He is due to play in the mixed doubles alongside Katerina Siniakova and their opening match is scheduled for Tuesday.

The main draw will begin on Sunday and the 24-year-old is the defending champion, having beaten Taylor Fritz in straight sets to win last year's tournament.

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