Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he will not take part in this year’s Cincinnati Open, citing a lingering wrist problem that continues to trouble him. The withdrawal has heightened concerns about his ability to defend the US Open crown, a tournament that kicks off on August 30 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Despite not having set foot on a competitive court since early April—when he was forced to pull out of the Barcelona event because of the same injury—Alcaraz has managed to retain his position as the world’s No. 2 male player.
The wrist ailment, which first flared up during the clay‑court season, has already cost him two major opportunities. It forced him to miss the chance to defend his French Open title in Paris and also robbed him of a potential third Wimbledon triumph, as he was unable to compete at the All England Club. "We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible," said Bob Moran, the director of the Cincinnati Open. Moran’s comments underline the frustration felt by tournament officials, fans, and the player himself.
Alcaraz’s team has been working around the clock with physiotherapists, medical specialists, and conditioning coaches to manage the inflammation and restore strength to the affected wrist. Their goal is to have him back on court in full form before the US Open, where a title defense would be a historic achievement.
There remains a slim window for Alcariz to gain some match practice ahead of the US Open if he decides to enter the Winston‑Salem Open, which is scheduled to begin on August 23. That event, held on hard courts similar to those in New York, would provide a low‑key environment for him to test his recovery without the pressure of a Masters‑1000 tournament. However, any decision will hinge on how his wrist responds to the final phases of rehabilitation and whether the medical staff feels he can compete without risking a further setback. Last year, Alcaraz lifted the trophy in Cincinnati after a dramatic final that never actually took place: Jannik Sinner withdrew due to injury, handing Alcaraz the championship by default.
The victory was a springboard for his second US Open triumph, cementing his status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. This year’s absence from Cincinnati therefore represents not just a missed opportunity for ranking points but also a psychological blow, as the Spanish prodigy has built a reputation for thriving under the pressure of big‑stage matches.
The broader tennis calendar remains packed with excitement. Fans can follow live scores, results, and upcoming fixtures across the ATP and WTA tours, as well as the Grand Slam events.
For those who want to keep up with the latest action, Sky Sports will broadcast the US Open from August 30, and the matches can also be streamed via NOW and the Sky Sports app. In addition, a wealth of tennis content—highlights, player interviews, and instructional videos—continues to be available through the network’s digital platforms, along with an A‑Z guide to tennis terminology for newcomers to the sport.
Looking ahead, the key question for Alcaraz is whether his wrist will hold up under the rigors of a two‑week Grand Slam. The US Open’s hard courts are demanding, requiring a blend of power, speed, and endurance.
A compromised wrist could affect his serve, groundstrokes, and the ability to finish points decisively. Yet, the young Spaniard has shown remarkable resilience throughout his career, bouncing back from injuries and setbacks with a combination of talent, work ethic, and mental toughness. If Alcaraz does manage to compete in Winston‑Salem and feels fit enough for New York, he will likely enter the US Open with a cautious but optimistic mindset. The tournament will be a true test of his recovery, and a successful title defence would not only add a third Grand Slam to his résumé but also solidify his place among the modern greats.
Conversely, if his wrist forces him to sit out the US Open altogether, the tennis world will have to grapple with the prospect of a rising star missing yet another marquee event due to injury. Regardless of the outcome, Alcaraz’s situation shines a spotlight on the physical demands placed on elite tennis players and the fine line they walk between pushing for peak performance and preserving long‑term health.
As the season draws to a close, fans, analysts, and fellow competitors will be watching closely, hoping for a swift and complete recovery that allows the young champion to return to the court at full strength. For now, the Cincinnati Open will proceed without its headline attraction, and the tournament’s organizers are already planning promotional activities and player appearances to keep spectators engaged. Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s camp continues to monitor his progress, hoping that the wrist will heal sufficiently to enable a competitive showing at the US Open, where the stakes—and the spotlight—are at their highest.