The last thing Carlos Alcaraz needed: Another injury blow before the US Open
ATPWednesday, 05 August 2026 at 11:47
Carlos Alcaraz’s return to competition will have to wait. The Spaniard has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open as he continues recovering from the right wrist injury that has kept him sidelined since April, ruling him out of his final opportunity to prepare for the US Open, where he will arrive as defending champion.
The decision leaves Alcaraz with major questions ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season. Cincinnati was expected to be his comeback tournament after missing both Roland Garros and Wimbledon, but the four-time Grand Slam champion will now enter the US Open without a competitive match since his withdrawal from Barcelona and with no official warm-up event before his title defense in New York.
The 23-year-old suffered the wrist injury during the Barcelona Open in April and later withdrew from the French Open before the tournament began, ending his hopes of defending his Roland Garros title. Weeks later, he also missed Wimbledon as his team opted for a cautious approach in managing the injury.
Alcaraz’s absence in Cincinnati will also have a direct impact on the ATP rankings. The Spaniard was the defending champion after winning the 2025 edition, where he claimed the title after Jannik Sinner retired from the final, meaning he will lose the 1,000 ranking points earned from last year’s triumph.
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Cincinnati represented Alcaraz’s last major opportunity to regain match rhythm before the US Open, which begins on August 30. The Spaniard will now have to make his return directly at Flushing Meadows, facing the challenge of competing at Grand Slam intensity without recent match practice.
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The timing is particularly significant because Alcaraz is also the defending champion in New York. He won his second US Open title in 2025 and ended that season as world No. 1, but his current situation creates uncertainty over both his physical condition and his ability to immediately return to championship level.
Tournament director Bob Moran confirmed that Alcaraz and his team are working toward a return as soon as possible, but the withdrawal highlights the delicate situation surrounding one of the biggest stars of the ATP Tour.
“We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible,” Moran said in a statement.
Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open.
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 4, 2026
Wishing all the best to our 2025 champion in his recovery process. Can’t wait to welcome you next year! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ls1PCFtCfk
With Cincinnati now removed from his schedule, Alcaraz’s focus shifts entirely toward being ready for the US Open — but whether he arrives fully prepared or simply fighting against time remains one of the biggest storylines heading into the final Grand Slam of 2026.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Cincinnati Open 2025 run
| Round | Opponent | Opponent Ranking | Score |
| 1R | BYE | - | - |
| 2R | Damir Džumhur | No. 63 | 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 |
| 3R | Hamad Medjedovic | No. 72 | 6-4, 6-4 |
| QF | Andrey Rublev | No. 11 | 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 |
| SF | Alexander Zverev | No. 3 | 6-4, 6-3 |
| F | 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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