Alcaraz withdraws from Cincinnati Open with persistent wrist injury
Synopsis
Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Cincinnati Open champion and world No. 2, has withdrawn from the tournament for the second time this season due to a persistent right wrist injury — an absence that now stretches back to April and has already cost him Wimbledon, the French Open, and multiple Masters events.
Key Takeaways
Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open , which he won in 2025 , due to a persistent right wrist injury .
He last competed at the Barcelona Open in April 2026 , after reaching the Monte-Carlo Masters final.
The injury has also forced him out of the Italian Open , French Open , Queen's Club Championships , and Wimbledon .
Alcaraz completed the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open earlier this year and holds a 22-3 season record per the ATP Win/Loss Index .
He was named Sportsman of the Year at the 2026 Laureus Awards , where he appeared in a wrist brace .
The Cincinnati Open main draw runs from 13 August to 23 August .
Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open, tournament organisers confirmed on Wednesday, ruling the No. 2-ranked Spaniard out of an event he won just a year ago. The withdrawal is the latest setback in a disrupted season defined by a persistent right wrist injury that has sidelined the 23-year-old since April.
Tournament's Statement
'Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open,' organisers said. 'Wishing all the best to our 2025 champion in his recovery process. Can't wait to welcome you next year!'
The Cincinnati Open main draw is scheduled to begin on 13 August and run through 23 August.
A Season Interrupted
Alcaraz last stepped onto a competitive court at the Barcelona Open in April, shortly after reaching the Monte-Carlo Masters final earlier that month. Since then, the wrist injury has forced a string of high-profile withdrawals — including the Italian Open in Rome, the French Open (where he had been defending champion), the Queen's Club Championships, and Wimbledon.
Notably, at the 2026 Laureus Awards — where Alcaraz was named Sportsman of the Year — he appeared wearing a brace on his right wrist, amplifying concerns about his playing timeline. He subsequently confirmed that medical evaluations had compelled him to step away from competition to avoid aggravating the injury further.
Where Alcaraz Stands This Season
Despite the extended absence, Alcaraz's early-season form had been exceptional. He began 2026 by completing the Career Grand Slam, claiming the Australian Open title in Melbourne — the only major he had not previously won. His season record stands at 22 wins and 3 losses according to the ATP Win/Loss Index, underlining just how dominant he was before the injury struck.
What This Means for the Cincinnati Draw
Alcaraz's absence creates a significant void at an event he owned last year. The Cincinnati Open, one of the premier hard-court tune-ups ahead of the US Open, will now look to rivals — including Jannik Sinner and others in the top-10 — to fill the headline billing. For Alcaraz, the priority will be returning to full fitness in time for Flushing Meadows, though no timeline has been officially confirmed.
Point of View
Wimbledon, and Cincinnati, and there is still no confirmed return date. The deeper concern is structural: wrist injuries in tennis have a poor track record for clean recoveries, and the longer the layoff, the harder the return to match sharpness on hard courts ahead of the US Open. Alcaraz remains world No. 2 largely on the strength of January form — that cushion will erode if rivals like Sinner keep accumulating ranking points through the summer swing.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Carlos Alcaraz withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open?
Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open due to a persistent right wrist injury that has kept him off the tour since April 2026. Medical evaluations reportedly advised him to avoid competition to prevent aggravating the injury.
When did Alcaraz last play a competitive match?
Alcaraz last competed at the Barcelona Open in April 2026, shortly after reaching the Monte-Carlo Masters final. He has not played since due to the wrist injury.
Which tournaments has Alcaraz missed because of the wrist injury?
The injury has forced Alcaraz to withdraw from the Italian Open, the French Open (where he was defending champion), the Queen's Club Championships, Wimbledon, and now the Cincinnati Open.
What is Alcaraz's season record despite the injury layoff?
According to the ATP Win/Loss Index, Alcaraz holds a 22-3 record for the 2026 season, reflecting his dominant early-season form before the injury struck.
Did Alcaraz complete the Career Grand Slam in 2026?
Yes. Alcaraz won the Australian Open in Melbourne earlier in 2026, completing the Career Grand Slam — the Melbourne title was the only major he had not previously won.
