Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he will not take part in the upcoming Cincinnati Open, citing a persistent wrist injury that continues to trouble him. The withdrawal has sparked fresh 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.
Alcaraz, who currently holds the world No. 2 ranking, has been absent from competitive play since early April, when he was forced to pull out of the Barcelona event because of the same lingering wrist problem. The injury has already cost him dearly this season. It forced him to miss the chance to defend his French Open title, and it also robbed him of the opportunity to chase a third Wimbledon victory, a milestone that would have further cemented his status among the sport's greats.
"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, underscoring the tournament's disappointment but also its empathy for the young Spaniard's situation. Looking ahead, Alcaraz may still have a narrow window to get some match practice before the US Open if he decides to compete in the Winston‑Salem Open, which is scheduled to begin on August 23.
That event could provide a valuable tune‑up, allowing him to test his wrist under competitive conditions and regain confidence before the season’s final Grand Slam. Last year, Alcaraz’s Cincinnati campaign ended in triumph when he was awarded the title after Jannik Sinner withdrew from the final. The victory served as a springboard for his successful run at the US Open, where he captured his second championship at Flushing Meadows. This year’s withdrawal therefore represents a stark contrast to the high point of his previous season and adds a layer of uncertainty to the narrative surrounding his US Open defence.
The broader tennis calendar remains packed with action, and fans can continue to follow scores, results, and upcoming matchups across the ATP and WTA tours. For those who want to keep up with the latest developments, the US Open and other major tournaments will be streamed live on NOW, and a comprehensive A‑Z guide to tennis terminology is available for newcomers to the sport.
In addition, highlights, player interviews, and video content will be accessible through the Sky Sports app, ensuring that even without Alcaraz in Cincinnati, tennis enthusiasts have plenty of content to enjoy. In summary, Alcaraz’s decision to sit out the Cincinnati Open is a direct result of a wrist injury that has already disrupted his season, sidelining him from key events like the French Open and Wimbledon. While his world ranking remains unchanged at No. 2, the lack of match play since April raises questions about his readiness for the US Open.
The upcoming Winston‑Salem Open could provide a final opportunity for him to gauge his physical condition and make any necessary adjustments before the Grand Slam begins. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Spaniard manages his recovery and whether he can replicate the success of his previous US Open campaign.