Carlos Alcaraz’s road back to competitive tennis has hit another setback after the Spaniard withdrew from the Cincinnati Open because of a lingering wrist injury. The decision raises fresh doubts about whether the world No. 2 will be fully fit to defend his US Open crown later this month.
The seven time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since retiring from the Barcelona Open in April. The injury has already forced him to miss the chance to defend his French Open title and ruled him out of Wimbledon, where he had hoped to chase a third straight title.
Alcaraz’s absence is a major blow for Cincinnati, where he lifted the trophy last year after Jannik Sinner retired during the final. He carried that momentum into New York and captured his second US Open title, making this latest withdrawal even more significant as the hard court season reaches its peak.
“We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible,” Cincinnati Open tournament director Bob Moran said. His comments reflect the patience surrounding one of tennis’ biggest stars as he continues his recovery.
There is still a small window for Alcaraz to gain match fitness before the US Open. The Winston-Salem Open, which begins on August 23, remains his final opportunity to return, although he has not confirmed whether he will compete.
Despite months on the sidelines, Alcaraz remains second in the world rankings, a sign of the remarkable consistency he showed earlier this season. He also made history by winning the Australian Open to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.
His recovery will now be watched closely across the tennis world. If Alcaraz returns at full strength, he remains one of the favourites at Flushing Meadows. If not, the door could open even wider for rivals such as Jannik Sinner as the season’s final Grand Slam approaches.
