Carlos Alcaraz is coming back. Doctor Angel Ruiz-Cotorro confirmed last Friday that the Spaniard's right wrist is "completely healed," paving the way for a return at the Cincinnati Masters, scheduled for August 13-23.
The world number two has been sidelined for four months since injuring his wrist at the Barcelona Open in April. Since then, a string of withdrawals followed: Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and most recently Montreal. The former world number one has not played an official match since April 17.
Alcaraz's team adopted a patient approach. Rather than rushing back for Montreal, the 23-year-old and his staff chose to skip Canada and target Cincinnati, the final dress rehearsal before the US Open (August 25). "I have a very long career ahead of me, with many years still to come. Forcing things could really harm me for future tournaments," the Spaniard said when withdrawing from Roland Garros.
Ruiz-Cotorro, a veteran of Spanish sports medicine and former head physician of the Spanish tennis federation, is scheduled to see Alcaraz again this week for a final examination. If all goes well, the official green light for Cincinnati will be given. The Spaniard has already been training at moderate intensity for several days, an encouraging sign regarding the strength of his recovery.
Alcaraz's return in Cincinnati could set up a direct clash with Jannik Sinner, the world number one and freshly crowned Wimbledon champion. The two rivals, who last met in the Australian Open final in January (Alcaraz won), have not faced each other since. Cincinnati and the US Open could provide the reunion tennis has been waiting for.
