- Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open because of an ongoing wrist injury.
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The Spaniard has not played since April, missing Wimbledon and now another key ATP Masters event ahead of the US Open.
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Tournament organizers wished the world No. 2 a speedy recovery as doubts continue over his fitness for his US Open title defense.
August 5, (THEWILL) — Carlos Alcaraz’s injury struggles have continued after the world No. 2 withdrew from the Cincinnati Open, with an ongoing wrist problem forcing him to miss another major tournament just weeks before the US Open.
The 23-year-old Spaniard has been sidelined since April when he pulled out of the Barcelona Open because of the same injury.
His absence has already cost him the chance to defend his Wimbledon title, and he will now also miss one of the final ATP Masters 1000 events before the year’s final Grand Slam.
Alcaraz had been expected to make his long-awaited return in Cincinnati, where he lifted the title in 2025.
The tournament, which begins on August 11 in Ohio, was seen as an ideal opportunity for the Spaniard to regain match fitness before defending his US Open crown later this month.
However, organizers confirmed that his recovery has not progressed enough for him to compete.
Tournament director Bob Moran expressed his disappointment while offering support to the Spanish star.
“We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible,” Moran said.
“We wish him the best with his recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to Cincinnati in the future.”
Alcaraz’s continued absence is a major blow for the ATP Tour and for fans hoping to see one of tennis’ biggest attractions return to action.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has missed several important events during his rehabilitation, raising fresh concerns over his readiness for the US Open, which begins on August 30.
The Cincinnati Open will therefore proceed without one of its defending champions, leaving the draw more open as several of the world’s leading players compete for one of the biggest titles outside the Grand Slams.
Despite the latest setback, Alcaraz and his team remain focused on ensuring he makes a full recovery rather than rushing his return.
His fitness over the coming weeks will now be closely monitored as the countdown to the US Open continues.
The Spaniard remains one of the favorites whenever fully fit, but his participation in New York now hinges on whether his wrist responds positively to continued rehabilitation in the days ahead.
