• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Alcaraz Wins Record Prize in Cincinnati As Sinner Drops Out

Carlos Alcaraz closed the gap on Alexander Zverev for No. 5 on ATP’s all-time career earnings list.

Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner: Part IV was set to be a preview of the US Open. Instead, it may be a sign that the door is open for the rest of the field at this year’s final Grand Slam.

Sinner retired from the final of the Cincinnati Open on Monday “due to illness,” handing Alcaraz the title for the ATP 1000 tournament and its record $1.1 million prize. It was the fourth time since May that the two have played in a tournament final, with Alcaraz winning at the Italian Open and French Open, and Sinner taking the most recent face-off in Wimbledon.

The win brings Alcaraz to nearly $48.5 million in career earnings. He remains sixth in the world, but closed the gap to Alexander Zverev, who is close to $54.5 million after being knocked out in the Cincinnati semis by Alcaraz.

Sinner won around $600,000 for his runner-up finish in Cincinnati—which had a prize pool of $9.2 million, up 35% from last year. He is up to $46.2 million, good for eighth all-time and less than $1 million back of Daniil Medvedev for seventh.

Cincy Crown, Open Lock?

The Cincinnati Open, which debuted its $260 million upgrades this year, has long served as a preview for the US Open. For the last two years, the two tournaments have shared the same men’s and women’s singles champions (2023: Coco Gauff and Novak Djokovic, 2024: Aryna Sabalenka and Sinner).

It’s unclear whether Sinner’s illness will linger into next week and hamper his US Open title defense. He withdrew from the US Open mixed doubles event just hours before the two-day event which starts Tuesday.

Regardless of whether Sinner is ready, Monday’s loss means he will relinquish the top spot in the world rankings for the first time since June 2024. Alcaraz will enter the US Open as the top-ranked men’s player, reclaiming the top spot for the first time since September 2023.

Ahead of Monday’s final, Alcaraz referred to Sinner as “the best player in the world on hard court, and probably on every surface.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jannik Sinner’s $6M Saudi Payday Tops Any Grand Slam Purse

The other five participants received $1.5 million.
Sep 5, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Novak Djokovic of Serbia embraces after their match in the semifinal of the men’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Six Kings Slam Returns With Record $6M Prize, Netflix Deal

The Six Kings Slam is held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ballers in Philadelphia
exclusive

Backer of SlamBall, Ballers Armed With $150M for New Fund

The fund will offer sports and entertainment companies deals that don’t involve equity.

Ryder Cup: Secret Service Key to Smooth Trump Attendance

Trump’s attendance at the US Open delayed the men’s final.

Featured Today

Christie's

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
October 18, 2025

How Vanderbilt Went From SEC Doormat to Dark Horse CFP Candidate

After beating LSU, Clark Lea said: “Internally, we expect to win.”
May 27, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) shoots a three point basket over New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the third quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2025

NBA Stars Swap Wine With League Friends and Foes

A wine-exchange tradition emerged from the bubble season’s close quarters.
Malonga

Turkish Dispute Could Cloud French Star’s Return to WNBA 

Fenerbahçe needs to give Dominique Malonga a “letter of clearance.”
Jamier Brown
October 21, 2025

Judge Temporarily Allows Ohio High Schoolers to Make NIL Deals

Most states do not restrict high school NIL deals.
Keegan Murray
October 21, 2025

$20 Million Per Year Becoming New Baseline for NBA Role Players

Christian Braun signed a five-year deal worth $125 million.
Sponsored

Michelle Wie West: Women’s Sports Doesn’t Need Charity

The LPGA legend on redefining women’s sports and the future of golf.
October 21, 2025

Nicklaus Wins $50M Defamation Lawsuit Over False LIV Golf Claims

The legendary golfer sued his former company.
Sponsored

How HOKA is Reimagining the NIL Relationship

Fans can now follow their favorite golfers and experience every marquee moment at the Ryder Cup — thanks to innovation from T-Mobile.
Oct 19, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones (17) hands off the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
October 20, 2025

Mac Jones, Daniel Jones Cash In on Big Incentive Money

Both quarterbacks have hit big contract incentives just halfway through the season.
Kevin Durant
October 19, 2025

Durant’s $30M Discount Still Makes Him Highest NBA Career Earner

The deal will put Durant at $598 million in career earnings.