Carlos Alcaraz Targets Cincinnati Masters as First Step Back to the US Open

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz has been cleared to resume on-court competition, aiming to debut at the Cincinnati Masters 1000, which begins on August 11 (officially August 13 for the main draw). The Spanish player has been sidelined since April after a right-wrist injury sustained at the Barcelona Open (Conde de Godó). A successful comeback at Cincinnati would provide his final preparation before defending his US Open title in late August.

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Alcaraz’s wrist problem forced him out of the Madrid Open, Italian Open, French Open, Queen’s Club Championships, Wimbledon and the Canadian Open in Montreal. The prolonged absence—nearly four months—raised doubts about his availability for the US Open. His team has cited the career-ending potential of wrist injuries, referencing past cases such as Dominic Thiem and Juan Martín del Potro, to justify a conservative rehabilitation schedule.

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Spanish tennis insider Francisco J. Moya (La Verdad) reported that Alcaraz “has fully healed” and that the Cincinnati event offers a “much more favorable scenario to measure the true condition of Alcaraz’s wrist.” The player’s physician, Dr. Ángel Ruiz-Cotorro, is expected to grant medical clearance within the week, according to the same source. Should clearance be granted, Alcaraz will enter the US Open as a co-favorite alongside World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, whom he defeated in last year’s final.

Tennis fans get the Carlos Alcaraz spin they wanted to hear

Analysts caution that rushing back could repeat the fate of former top players whose careers were curtailed by wrist problems. The decision to skip Montreal was described as “conservative” to avoid “exerting undue pressure on his wrist,” reflecting a broader concern that an aggressive return might jeopardize his long-term health and ranking.

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• “Carlos Alcaraz is already beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” — Francisco J. Moya, La Verdad

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• “The decision to resign from Montreal fits perfectly within that conservative strategy,” — Francisco J. Moya, La Verdad

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• “Cincinnati, a tournament that starts on August 13 (just a month from now), offers a much more favorable scenario to measure the true condition of Alcaraz’s wrist.” — Francisco J. Moya, La Verdad

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• “The latest news invites optimism.” — Francisco J. Moya, La Verdad

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