Carlos Alcaraz’s comeback has hit another wall, with the defending US Open champion withdrawing from Cincinnati because of an ongoing right wrist injury. The decision pushes his first competitive match further down the calendar and turns his New York title defense into a genuine question mark.
The 23-year-old Spaniard has been sidelined since leaving the Barcelona Open in April, missing both the French Open and Wimbledon, according to The Independent. Recent practice videos showed him back on court after several weeks with his wrist immobilized in a cast, but tournament officials said the injury remains unresolved.
Cincinnati Was Supposed To Be Alcaraz’s First Real Test
The Cincinnati Open had been positioned as Alcaraz’s comeback runway after a long stretch away from match play. The Cincinnati Open had listed him among its defending champions and promoted a field packed with top-ranked players for the 2026 event.
That return plan has now been shelved. El País reported that Alcaraz had increased the intensity of his training, but he and his team ultimately chose caution, while tournament director Bob Moran said the player was doing everything possible to return as soon as he could.
New York Leaves Little Room For A Slow Comeback
The timing is especially awkward because the 2026 US Open singles main draw begins Sunday, Aug. 30, with the tournament running through Sept. 13, according to the US Open schedule. Without Cincinnati as a competitive tuneup, Alcaraz could face the year’s final major after months of rehabilitation and no recent match experience.
The stakes are unusually high for a player who opened 2026 by winning his first Australian Open and becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam, the ATP Tour reported. He also arrives as a seven-time major champion and the reigning US Open winner, making any decision to skip New York far more significant than a routine tournament withdrawal.
For now, no firm return date has been announced, and Alcaraz’s camp has not confirmed whether he will be ready for the US Open. The next few weeks will determine whether his comeback moves from practice courts to Arthur Ashe Stadium—or stays on pause a little longer.
