Tennis: Alcaraz still injured – must skip Masters tournament

World number one tennis player Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to withdraw from the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati due to a lingering wrist injury. The Spanish star has been sidelined since sustaining the injury in April during the first round of the Barcelona Open.

The Cincinnati tournament, scheduled to begin on August 13, is one of the key events leading up to the final Grand Slam of the year. Alcaraz was the defending champion in Cincinnati, having won the title last year. Tournament director Bob Moran expressed well wishes for Alcaraz's recovery, stating, “We know that Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to tournament play as soon as possible. We wish him all the best with his rehabilitation and look forward to welcoming him back to Cincinnati in the future.”

Alcaraz's absence from Cincinnati raises significant concerns about his fitness for the US Open, which begins on August 30 in New York. He is the defending champion at Flushing Meadows, and his current injury status casts doubt on his ability to compete. This withdrawal marks another setback for the young phenom, who has already missed major tournaments this season, including Roland-Garros in Paris and Wimbledon in London, due to the same wrist issue.

The 23-year-old's rehabilitation process is ongoing, and his team is focused on ensuring his return to competitive play. However, the continued impact of the wrist injury on his tournament schedule highlights the challenges faced by athletes managing physical setbacks during a demanding season.

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We know that Carlos is doing everything he can to come back to tournament play as soon as possible. We wish him all the best with his rehabilitation and look forward to welcoming him back to Cincinnati in the future.