Another Cincinnati setback: Holger Rune joins Alcaraz on withdrawal list ahead of Masters 1000
ATPThursday, 06 August 2026 at 06:30
Holger Rune has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open, becoming the latest high-profile absence to hit the ATP Masters 1000 event. The Danish star joins Carlos Alcaraz among the notable players who will miss the tournament, adding another setback to a North American hard-court swing already affected by injuries and delayed returns.
Rune’s withdrawal was not entirely unexpected given his recent situation, as the former world No. 4 has been dealing with a difficult period since suffering a back injury in October 2025. The Dane was forced to stop competing for several months and has faced multiple setbacks while attempting to return to his previous level.
The 21-year-old initially appeared to be making progress during his comeback, but his return to competition has been interrupted by several postponements and adjustments to his schedule. Despite his ambition to rebuild momentum ahead of the US Open, Rune will now miss another important opportunity to gain matches on hard courts.
The Cincinnati Open had listed Rune among its seeded players and one of the biggest attractions in the draw. However, his absence creates further movement in the entry list, with Dani Mérida receiving direct entry into the main draw after initially being expected to compete in qualifying. Lorenzo Sonego becomes the next player in line should another withdrawal occur.
Read also
Rune adds to Cincinnati’s growing list of absences
The Danish player’s withdrawal comes after Cincinnati already lost several of the biggest names in the sport. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic had already been ruled out before the tournament, creating a much more open field than expected for the final major preparation event before the US Open.
For Rune, the timing is particularly frustrating. The Cincinnati Open represented a key opportunity to test his level against elite opposition before the final Grand Slam of the season, where he will also be looking to rediscover the form that previously took him into the top five.
Holger Rune claps to the crowd at the Indian Wells Open
The Dane has struggled to find consistency since his injury problems began, with his ranking dropping and his comeback requiring more patience than initially expected. While his talent and ceiling remain unquestioned, his recent history has been defined by interruptions rather than sustained runs.
His withdrawal also adds another question mark to the US Open picture. With limited competitive preparation on hard courts and another setback in his recovery process, Rune’s status heading into New York remains uncertain.
The Cincinnati field will now move forward without another of its biggest names, leaving a tournament that was already weakened by withdrawals even more unpredictable. For Rune, the priority remains returning to full fitness and avoiding another rushed comeback as he attempts to rebuild his position among the ATP’s elite.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wow!! Haven't seen a Volley-A-Thon like that in a long time. This Bejlik girl has some great stuff. Iga got a hell of a workout.
mandoist04-08-2026 - Yes, "so cruel". It's so bad she's been forced to "train" at an exclusive resort in St. Moritz, Switzerland.mandoist04-08-2026
- Writer states: "These different brands have slight differences that the players need to get used to" That is the dumbest F-ing thing I've heard in quite some time. A sports fan (I assume a fan) telling the World's Top Players they are, essentially, full of shit.mandoist02-08-2026
- No Final today. 200% Humidity.mandoist02-08-2026
- Pro Sports is still pretending the Climate is not going to be a physical health factor -- getting hotter and more debilitating for animals and Humans. Well, it's not whether the climate is "going to" get hotter... IT IS ALREADY HERE!! Sport governing bodies and venues are -- and have been -- disregarding the warnings regarding the Future temperatures when it comes to outdoor events and potential injury (or even death) of fans & athletes alike. Are these financially greedy entities intentionally pretending Climate Change is not happening? Or merely gambling with their own futures, as well as the athletes' health and futures as well? It is time to pay attention to the warming trend and be empathetic toward their money-makers (athletes) -- not PATHETIC.mandoist29-07-2026
- CORRECTION Required: Jannik is WORLD NO. 1 and not 2. "The same can be said for Sinner and Djokovic. The """"World No.2""""" cited health reasons for not going, preserving his body for the Cincinnati Open ahead of the important US Open. If he was set to participate in both, it would be a lot of tennis with him likely to win both tournaments ahead of the trip to Flushing Meadows."J29-07-2026
- That does not sound very healthy
AceOfBase29-07-2026 - Interesting to see and watch the son of a great tennis player. Will he get better than his dad, or not :-)AceOfBase29-07-2026
- What clear-thinking player at the top of the field needs to Double-up with Ranking No. 469??mandoist27-07-2026
- It's refreshing to see a young and evolving player with enough intelligence to not fall for this 'Williams Charade'. Too bad the WTA -- and all the phony insiders -- cannot be Honest about No. 469 and put a stop to it. WTA has Qualifiers for a reason!!mandoist27-07-2026
Loading