Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of returning before the US Open have suffered another significant setback after the Spaniard withdrew from the Cincinnati Open as he continues his recovery from a wrist injury.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion had been targeting a comeback at the ATP Masters event later this month, but tournament organisers confirmed on Tuesday that the world No 1 will not compete because of an “ongoing wrist injury”.
The withdrawal raises fresh doubts over whether Alcaraz will be fit to defend his US Open crown, with the final Grand Slam of the season now rapidly approaching.
Alcaraz has not played a competitive match since April after being forced to retire from the Barcelona Open with the injury.
The problem has already ruled him out of both the French Open and Wimbledon, where he had been expected to challenge for more major titles.
There had been growing optimism in recent weeks that the 23-year-old was edging closer to a return.
Alcaraz shared footage on social media showing himself back on court hitting balls after spending several weeks with his right wrist immobilised in a protective cast.
Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of returning before the US Open have suffered another significant setback after the Spaniard withdrew from the Cincinnati Open as he continues his recovery from a wrist injury
|
GETTY
The cast has since been removed as part of his rehabilitation programme.
However, Cincinnati has ultimately come too soon.
Five things to know about Carlos Alcaraz
|
GETTY
Tournament director Bob Moran confirmed the news while offering his support to the Spaniard.
“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 cautious approach reflects the serious nature of wrist injuries in professional tennis, with the risk of long-term complications often forcing players to prioritise recovery over rushing back into competition.
Carlos Alcaraz has been absent since April with the former world No 1 plagued by a wrist injury
|
GETTY
The sport has seen several elite careers disrupted by similar problems, with former US Open champions Dominic Thiem and Juan Martin del Potro both enduring lengthy battles with wrist injuries that ultimately prevented them from consistently returning to their previous level.
Alcaraz and his team have therefore opted to avoid taking unnecessary risks despite the importance of the upcoming hard-court swing.
Before his injury, the Spaniard had enjoyed another historic campaign by becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam after defeating Novak Djokovic to win the Australian Open for the first time.
His absence from Roland Garros opened the door for Alexander Zverev, who captured the first Grand Slam title of his career, before Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon crown by defeating the German in the final.
