Carlos Alcaraz's Cincinnati participation still uncertain as next week's tests set to decide US Open preparation
ATPSaturday, 25 July 2026 at 08:30
Carlos Alcaraz remains on course for a return before the US Open, but whether that comeback will come at the Cincinnati Open is still far from certain. According to reports from La Verdad de Murcia, the Spaniard and his team will make a final decision next week after increasing the intensity of his training and evaluating how his injured right wrist responds outdoors.
The world No. 3 has not played since suffering a right wrist injury during his opening match at the Barcelona Open in mid-April, a setback that forced him to miss Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros, Queen's, Wimbledon and the Canadian Open.
While Alcaraz already appears on the entry list for the Cincinnati Masters 1000, his participation is not guaranteed. Instead, the tournament could serve as a competitive test ahead of the US Open rather than a full return at maximum intensity, depending on how his recovery progresses over the coming days.
Everything now hinges on next week's on-court sessions in Murcia, with Alcaraz expected to resume full outdoor practice after spending recent weeks training under the roof at his academy while gradually increasing the workload.
Outdoor tests to determine Cincinnati decision
According to La Verdad, Alcaraz and his team have intensified both the physical and technical demands of training this week after receiving encouraging signs from his injured wrist. The next step will be returning to full outdoor practice around the middle or end of next week.
One key part of those sessions will involve using the official US Open tennis balls, which have already arrived at the Carlos Alcaraz Academy. The different feel and impact of the balls will allow the Spaniard to better evaluate how his wrist reacts during full-speed hitting, particularly on the forehand, where the joint receives the greatest stress.
Those sessions are expected to provide the clearest indication yet of whether he is ready to compete in Cincinnati or if more recovery time will be required.
US Open remains the ultimate priority
Although Cincinnati remains the preferred comeback event, Alcaraz's team is reportedly unwilling to take unnecessary risks. If the recovery progresses more slowly than expected, they could opt to skip the Masters 1000 altogether and instead use a smaller event to gain match rhythm before travelling to New York.
The priority remains arriving at the US Open in the best possible physical condition rather than rushing back for a tournament a week earlier.
If he does compete in Cincinnati, the event could effectively become part of his preparation rather than a tournament where immediate results are expected. The Masters 1000 begins on August 13, while the US Open gets underway on August 30, giving Alcaraz a narrow window to regain match sharpness after more than four months away from competition.
Carlos Alcaraz – Cincinnati Open 2025 Title Run
| Round | Opponent | Opponent Ranking | Result |
| 1R | BYE | - | - |
| 2R | Damir Džumhur | No. 56 | 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 |
| 3R | Hamad Medjedović | No. 72 | 6-4, 6-4 |
| 4R | Luca Nardi | No. 98 | 6-1, 6-4 |
| Quarterfinal | Andrey Rublev | No. 11 | 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 |
| Semifinal | Alexander Zverev | No. 3 | 6-4, 6-3 |
| Final | Jannik Sinner | No. 1 | 5-0, [RET] |
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.
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