Carlos Alcaraz is set to make his comeback in the Cincinnati Open (AP Photo)

Carlos Alcaraz finally returns to action, named in start list for Cincinnati Open

Carlos Alcaraz is set to return to the ATP Tour after a four-month injury layoff, having been named in the Cincinnati Open start list ahead of the US Open.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Carlos Alcaraz is set to return to action after a wrist injury layoff
  • The Spaniard has not played since April, missing French Open and Wimbledon
  • Alcaraz is trying to make his Grand Slam comeback at the US Open

Carlos Alcaraz is poised to make his long-awaited return to competitive tennis after being named in the official start list for the Cincinnati Open, which is set to take place from August 13 to 23. The tournament is expected to mark the Spaniard’s first appearance since April, when a wrist problem forced him off the ATP Tour.

The 23-year-old sustained the injury during the Barcelona Open and subsequently missed a significant portion of the season. The setback ruled him out of several marquee events, including the Madrid Open, the Italian Open, Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Alcaraz had entered many of those tournaments among the leading contenders, making his absence one of the biggest stories of the year.

His time away from the court coincided with a dominant run from world No.1 Jannik Sinner, who capitalised on the Spaniard’s absence to strengthen his grip on the top spot in men’s tennis. Nevertheless, Alcaraz’s return comes at a crucial stage of the calendar as players begin preparations for the final Grand Slam of the season.

Carlos Alcaraz has been named in the Cincinnati Open start list. Courtesy: Cincinnati Open

Tournament organisers have included the defending champion in the Cincinnati field, although his participation remains subject to medical clearance. Alcaraz captured the title in Ohio last year, adding another prestigious trophy to a rapidly growing collection that already includes multiple Grand Slam and Masters 1000 crowns.

KEY TEST AHEAD OF US OPEN

The Cincinnati Masters will serve as an important opportunity for Alcaraz to rediscover his rhythm before the US Open gets underway later this summer. Having spent months on the sidelines, the former world No.1 will be eager to regain match sharpness against some of the strongest players on the circuit.

Despite his young age, Alcaraz has already established himself as one of the sport’s biggest stars. The Spaniard has claimed seven major titles and eight ATP Masters 1000 trophies, while also becoming one of the youngest players to complete a career Grand Slam.

The tournament is expected to feature a stellar line-up, with Sinner and Novak Djokovic among those entered. Sinner, in particular, arrives in exceptional form after sweeping all five Masters 1000 events this season and retaining his Wimbledon crown.

With the US Open looming, Alcaraz’s comeback adds another layer of intrigue to the North American hard-court swing and could set the stage for a fresh chapter in his rivalry with Sinner.

- Ends