Jannik Sinner has been forced to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open final due to illness, but the World No.1 still wants to play in the U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament

Cincinnati Open 2025 - Day 12
Jannik Sinner wanted to play the revamped US Open mixed doubles tournament with Serena Williams(Image: Getty)

It’s been revealed that Jannik Sinner had his sights set on partnering with tennis icon Serena Williams for the upcoming revamped U.S. Open mixed doubles.

The World No. 1 was forced to retire mid-match during the Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz due to illness, trailing 5-0 in the opening set. Alcaraz demonstrated sportsmanship following his opponent’s unexpected retirement.

The duo has already clashed thrice this year, with Alcaraz clinching victories at the Italian and French Open before Sinner retaliated by defeating the Spaniard at Wimbledon. Their focus now shifts to the forthcoming revamped U.S. Open mixed doubles tournament, followed by the main event the next week.

However, it’s uncertain whether Sinner will participate in the tournament considering his recent withdrawal. He might choose to pull out to ensure a full recovery for the U.S. Open, a tournament he claimed victory in for the first time last year.

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And now, it’s come to light that Sinner initially wanted to team up with the legendary Williams, despite her retirement from tennis in 2022.

Eric Butorac, the U.S. Open’s Senior Director of Player Relations, spilled the beans on the ‘Nothing Major’ podcast, revealing Sinner’s request to play alongside the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

“Yeah, Sinner did ask if Serena would be an option,” Butorac revealed. However, he clarified that it wouldn’t have been feasible due to the doping protocols retired players must adhere to, which can take up to six months.

“I believe Serena’s not back in the doping protocol,” Butorac further noted.

Cincinnati Open 2025 - Day 12
Sinner was forced to retire against Alcaraz(Image: Getty)

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After withdrawing from the final of the Cincinnati Open, Sinner expressed his regret to the spectators. “I’m super sorry to disappoint you,” Sinner confessed.

“From yesterday I didn’t feel great, I thought I would improve but it came up worse. I tried to come out, to make it at least a small match, but I couldn’t handle more. I am very sorry for all of you.

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“I know that maybe some of you, on a Monday, you had to work or do something else, so I’m really sorry. “Now I will take a couple of days to recover, then I will get back to work, hoping to be ready. The U.S. Open [singles] is my main goal in the United States.”

Venus Williams will be flying the flag for the family as she makes her Grand Slam return at the age of 45.

The tennis legend will team up with Reilly Opelka to take on Andrey Rublev and Karolina Muchova, with their match scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.