Carlos Alcaraz’s comeback trail has suffered a major setback as the Spaniard has decided to withdraw from the Cincinnati Open, much to the dismay of the tennis community.
Alcaraz, who has been sidelined since April due to a right wrist injury he sustained at the Barcelona Open, was set to make his highly anticipated return at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati. However, he has opted to withdraw, sparking conjecture about his US Open title defense.
Tennis World Reacts to Carlos Alcaraz’s Cincinnati Open Withdrawal
After missing the ATP Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome, being forced to skip his title defense at the French Open, and remaining absent from Wimbledon, Alcaraz sparked immense excitement when it was revealed that he would make his return at the Cincinnati Open.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion further raised anticipation by resuming full-intensity training ahead of the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on Aug. 13.
Despite appearing to make progress in his preparations, Alcaraz has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open. In a statement, tournament director Bob Moran confirmed the Spaniard’s withdrawal and extended his best wishes to the world No. 2.
“We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible. We wish him the best with his recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to Cincinnati in the future,” Moran said.
Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open.
Wishing all the best to our 2025 champion in his recovery process. Can’t wait to welcome you next year! ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Ls1PCFtCfk
— Cincinnati Open (@CincyTennis) August 4, 2026
The news of the Spaniard’s withdrawal rattled the tennis community, with Boris Becker among those lamenting the “sad” development.
“Bad news for Cincinnati and Carlos A …,” Becker commented.
Tennis journalists Ben Rothenberg and Scott Barclay shared grim predictions about Alcaraz’s US Open title defense and the remainder of his 2026 season, while reporter José Morgado expressed his surprise at the decision.
“I would assume Alcaraz will also be out of the US Open now, just because it would seem so daunting to come back from a major injury into a best-of-five tournament when totally cold. Although if he’s ready, I am sure Winston-Salem could find a wild card for him…,” Rothenberg said.
“I have to say, I don’t think he plays again this year at this point. 😭,” Barclay wrote.
“Now that’s surprising,” Morgado posted.
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz Ditches Braids Days After Backlash Ahead of Cincinnati Open
It remains to be seen whether Carlos Alcaraz will deem himself ready to compete at the US Open, with his title defense on the line. The New York Major is scheduled to begin on Aug. 30, leaving the Spaniard with a little over three weeks to regain full match fitness and mount his comeback.
