Carlos Alcaraz is plotting his way back onto the ATP Tour after entering the Cincinnati Open, with the 23-year-old aiming to shake off the wrist injury that has kept him sidelined since April's Barcelona Open.
The layoff has been brutal for the Spaniard. He missed both the French Open, where he was the defending champion, and Wimbledon, two of the sport's biggest stages. He will also sit out next week's Canadian Open in Montreal, meaning Cincinnati, running from August 13-23, represents his first realistic opportunity to return to competitive tennis.
The timing is deliberate. With the US Open beginning on August 30, Alcaraz desperately needs court time to sharpen his game and prove his fitness before the final Grand Slam of the year, a tournament where he arrives as the reigning champion.
Alcaraz also holds the Cincinnati title, though the circumstances of that victory were unusual, Jannik Sinner retired during their final due to illness. The Italian has since been in imperious form, claiming all five Masters 1000 titles available so far in 2026 and winning Wimbledon for a second consecutive year. Sinner is already entered in Montreal, underscoring just how dominant he has been during Alcaraz's absence.
British tennis fans will follow the Cincinnati draw with mixed emotions. Emma Raducanu, managing a stress fracture in her lower leg, is absent and racing to be fit for the US Open. Jack Draper would need a wildcard to enter, but Arthur Fery, newly crowned British number one after reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals, earns a direct spot on the back of his career-high ranking of 36.
TennisDraw users will be watching Alcaraz's bracket position closely once the Cincinnati draw is confirmed.
