“Happy for the Final, But Sorry for Sascha” – Alcaraz’s Touching Message after Cincinnati Win

A compassionate champion’s gesture: Alexander Zverev embraces Carlos Alcaraz after their Cincinnati Open battle

Carlos Alcaraz secured his place in the Cincinnati Open final with a composed 6-4, 6-3 victory over Alexander Zverev, showing maturity and control throughout the match. Yet beyond the result, Alcaraz offered a touching message of sympathy to Zverev, acknowledging his opponent’s physical struggles while celebrating his own progress (Reuters).

Compassion on court: Alcaraz expresses sympathy after semifinal win

In a heartfelt moment after the match, Alcaraz took part in the post-match tradition of writing on the TV camera glass, leaving a message for Zverev:

“’Happy for the final but feeling bad for Sasha,’ Alcaraz wrote on the camera lens after his win. ‘Wish you all the best,” according to Reuters.

He later admitted it was emotionally tough to compete against a close friend who was not fully fit:

“It’s never easy playing against someone that you know is not feeling 100 per cent. It’s even tougher when it comes from Sascha, such a great player, such a great person off the court. We have a really good relationship,” Alcaraz said in an interview with Cadena SER (Tribune India/ANI).

Carlos Alcaraz shows composure under Pressure

The semifinal was packed with tension. Carlos Alcaraz saved early break points and turned momentum with a sharp backhand volley to break at 4-3 in the first set.

In the second set, Zverev’s struggles deepened. He required a medical timeout and was clearly hampered, but continued to fight on. Alcaraz capitalized, breaking early and finishing the job 6-3 with his trademark poise.

Remarkably, just minutes after victory, Carlos Alcaraz returned to practice to sharpen his serve—a sign of his relentless commitment.

Alcaraz chasing records and consistency

With the win, Carlos Alcaraz reached his seventh consecutive Masters 1000 final, a streak not seen since Novak Djokovic in 2009. It also marked his 25th career win over top-five opponents, a number surpassed only by Roger Federer at a comparable age. At just 22 years old, Alcaraz is already putting his name alongside the greats.

Rivalry renewed in final face off for Cincinnati crown

Next up, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will contest the highly anticipated Cincinnati Open final today, August 18, at 3 p.m. EDT. Sinner arrives on the back of an impressive hard-court winning streak, while Alcaraz is chasing history, setting the stage for another blockbuster showdown between two of the tour’s brightest stars.

This is their fourth final of the season, a rivalry that continues to push both men to new heights and has quickly become one of the defining storylines in modern tennis.

Beyond the trophy, ranking points and US Open momentum are also on the line, adding further weight to an already electrifying clash.

Carlos Alcaraz eyes US Open glory after Cincinnati run

Beyond the trophy, Carlos Alcaraz has his sights set on the bigger picture. This Cincinnati triumph provides vital momentum heading into the US Open, where he could reclaim the world No. 1 ranking in the coming weeks if he sustains this level of play.

His blend of brilliance on court and humility off it reinforces why Carlos Alcaraz is not only a champion in tennis but also a true ambassador for sportsmanship.