Carlos Alcaraz listed in Cincinnati Open player field, has yet to confirm his comeback from wrist injury ahead of US Open
Carlos Alcaraz appears to be back. But it's not yet confirmed.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion who missed the French Open and Wimbledon with a wrist injury is scheduled to play in the Cincinnati Open. The Cincinnati Open listed him on Wednesday among the singles participants for the upcoming tournament. Alcaraz, however, has yet to confirm his return.
Per a report from Spanish newspaper La Verdad on Tuesday, Alcaraz's "wrist is healthy, completely healed" and he's working with his team to gradually increase his training load. Alcaraz hasn't played competitive tennis since sustaining the injury at the Barcelona Open in April.
Per that same report, Alcaraz and his team are targeting a return to competition in Cincinnati and but no one "wants to set a definitive date until they've confirmed that the wrist responds without discomfort to high-intensity training."
"The next two weeks will be crucial, and medical clearance will depend on his daily progress, without taking unnecessary risks," La Verdad reports.
Alcaraz has been dealing with tenosynovitis. Per the Cleveland Clinic, "tenosynovitis is inflammation of the connective tissue that protects tendons" and can make it painful and difficult to move joints. Without treatment, it can lead to complications. Wrist injuries are particularly problematic for tennis players.
Alcaraz's most recent tennis-related Instagram post on July 9 showed him running various tennis drills in training.
He posted images of himself enjoying some leisure time on Wednesday, but did not address his inclusion in the Cincinnati Open player field.
The Cincinnati Open is slated to start on Aug. 13 and is one of the premier hardcourt events in the lead-up to the US Open. The main US Open tournament draw is scheduled to start on Aug. 30.
Alcaraz is a two-time and reigning US Open champion and would be a favorite alongside World No. 1 Jannik Sinner if he's fully recovered and ready to play.
With his top rival sidelined, Sinner won Wimbledon last week and will be seeking his second US Open title in September. Alcaraz's return would make Sinner's bid that much more compelling.
