Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Masters 1000, scheduled for August 13-23. The Spaniard, sidelined since sustaining a right wrist injury at the Barcelona Open in April, pulled out just two days after confirming his entry into the Ohio tournament.
A sudden reversal
The news marks a dramatic turn of events. On Sunday, Alcaraz's entry into the Cincinnati draw had been interpreted as a concrete signal that his return was imminent after four months of rehabilitation. Tournament director Bob Moran responded with measured words: "We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible." The diplomatic tone cannot disguise the reality: the world number two's right wrist is not healing at the pace everyone had hoped.
The 23-year-old has been dealing with tenosynovitis, an inflammation of the tendon sheath, since the Barcelona Open in April. The injury, the longest layoff of his young career, has already cost him Roland-Garros and Wimbledon, two Grand Slam titles he won in 2024. With Montreal and now Cincinnati added to the list, the toll stands at five major tournaments missed since the injury struck.
The US Open in the balance
With Cincinnati now off the schedule, the focus shifts squarely to the US Open. The New York Grand Slam begins on August 25, just twenty days away. Alcaraz, the defending champion at Flushing Meadows, has not played a single competitive match in over four months. Returning directly at a Grand Slam without any prior competition would represent a significant gamble, both physically and mentally.
His extended absence has reshaped the top of the ATP rankings. Alexander Zverev, who won Roland-Garros, holds the world number one spot. Jannik Sinner, who underwent four hours of medical examinations at an Italian clinic this week ahead of Cincinnati and the US Open, is also preparing for the season's final stretch. Without competitive play since April, Alcaraz's points total continues to erode, along with his status as the natural favourite for the US Open.
Key numbers
Alcaraz has not played competitively since April 16 in Barcelona. He is defending 2,000 ranking points between Cincinnati and the US Open. Five Grand Slam and Masters 1000 events missed since April: Barcelona (retirement), Roland-Garros, Wimbledon, Montreal and now Cincinnati.
