Return confirmed: Carlos Alcaraz set to make comeback at Cincinnati Masters before US Open title defense
ATPWednesday, 15 July 2026 at 21:59
Carlos Alcaraz’s comeback now has a confirmed destination. After more than four months away from competition due to a right wrist injury, the Spanish star has officially been included on the entry list for the Cincinnati Open Masters 1000, where he is expected to return to action before the US Open.
The world No. 3 appears among the confirmed participants for the tournament scheduled from August 13-23, alongside other top contenders including Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner and recent Wimbledon finalist Alexander Zverev. The event will represent Alcaraz’s first opportunity to regain competitive rhythm after a long period on the sidelines.
The 23-year-old has not competed since April, when he was forced to retire during his second-round match against Tomáš Macháč at the Barcelona Open due to the wrist problem. The injury later ruled him out of Roland Garros, where he was the two-time defending champion, and Wimbledon.
The confirmation comes after reports in Spain indicated that Alcaraz had recovered from the injury and was targeting Cincinnati as his comeback tournament. The Masters 1000 event will also serve as his final preparation before attempting to defend his US Open title in New York.
Alcaraz returns with limited time before US Open defense
Before his injury setback, Alcaraz had enjoyed one of the strongest starts to a season in his career. The Spaniard opened 2026 with 16 consecutive victories and completed his career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open title.
However, his momentum was interrupted in Barcelona, beginning a four-month absence that forced him to miss two of the biggest tournaments on the calendar.
The Cincinnati Masters will therefore be a crucial test. Although Alcaraz enters the tournament as the defending champion in Ohio, he will have limited competitive preparation before the US Open begins on August 30.
Alcaraz captured his 8th ATP Masters 1000 crown at the 2025 Cincinnati Open. He has yet to add another Masters 1000 title to his collection since then.
The Spaniard’s return is one of the most anticipated moments of the hard-court summer, particularly after his absence opened the door for other contenders during the clay and grass seasons.
With his wrist injury now reportedly behind him, Alcaraz’s focus will turn toward rebuilding match intensity, finding his timing and arriving at Flushing Meadows ready to defend one of the biggest titles of his career.
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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