Carlos Alcaraz's absence from the Cincinnati Open has sparked plenty of concern among tennis fans, but celebrated coach Rick Macci is doing his best to keep the anxiety levels down. The American, who has coached five players to the world No. 1 ranking, took to social media this week to deliver a reassuring message about the young Spaniard's condition.
Alcaraz has been sidelined since suffering a right wrist injury at the Barcelona Open roughly four months ago, and hopes that he would return for the Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati, beginning August 13, were dashed when his withdrawal was confirmed earlier this week.
Macci, who previously coached Serena Williams among other elite players, dismissed any notion that the situation is alarming. Writing on X, he stated that Alcaraz's team is prioritizing additional practice, recovery, and rest, and that the player will only return when he feels completely ready to compete at full intensity. Macci stressed this is not a red flag from the medical side, framing the decision as patient and calculated rather than worrying.
In a separate conversation with Tennis365 last month, Macci was equally upbeat, describing Alcaraz as someone who holds the racket like a paintbrush and plays from the heart and soul. He made clear that Alcaraz's distinctive technique and playing style are simply part of his DNA, and that nothing about his fundamental approach to the game needs to change.
The big question now is whether Alcaraz will be fit in time to defend his title at the 2026 US Open, a particularly tricky proposition given how long-term injuries can complicate a Grand Slam return.
TennisDraw users had Alcaraz circled as a title contender in Cincinnati, making his absence one of the biggest shake-ups to bracket predictions this summer.
