MASON, OHIO – AUGUST 18: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain poses for photos with the Rookwood Cup after winning the men’s singles title after Jannik Sinner of Italy retired during Day 12 of the Cincinnati Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 18, 2025 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open, throwing into doubt his fitness for the upcoming U.S. Open beginning later this month.
“Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open.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!” the tournament announced on social media.
Alcaraz will now fall below No. 2 in the world heading into the U.S. Open (assuming he plays), meaning his draw could become more complicated with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 3 and French Open champion Alexander Zverev also in the field.
The news comes as videos appeared to show Alcaraz hitting at full strength and amid reports that he was “100% healthy” following a right wrist injury that has kept him off the ATP Tour since Barcelona in April.
“We hope Carlos is coming back as well… because tennis needs him,” Sinner said after winning Wimbledon last month. “Having Novak [Djokovic] still around and having all the young players coming it’s really nice. But at the same time you always need to work harder and harder to have moments like this.”
Alcaraz beat Sinner in last year’s Cincinnati Open final and then beat the Italian in four sets in the U.S. Open final the following month.
Sinner, 24-time major champion Djokovic and Zverev remain committed to Cincinnati, which runs Aug. 13-23.
Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, has earned $61.5 million in his career.