Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski believes Carlos Alcaraz's decision to skip Cincinnati makes a New York return impossible, urging caution for his long-term health.
Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has cast a significant shadow over his chances of defending his US Open title after officially withdrawing from the upcoming Cincinnati Open. This setback follows a wrist injury sustained in April at the Barcelona Open, which has kept him off the competitive court ever since.
The move to skip Cincinnati, intended as his comeback event, has prompted strong warnings from a prominent voice in tennis. Greg Rusedski, the 1997 US Open finalist, now suggests that Alcaraz would be wise to completely abandon his New York aspirations for this year.
Rusedski's candid assessment, shared on his recent podcast, paints a grim picture for Alcaraz's immediate future, emphasizing the serious risks involved in rushing a return to best-of-five-set tennis, according to reporting by Tennis365.
Greg Rusedski's Bold Claim on Carlos Alcaraz US Open Status
Greg Rusedski minced no words regarding Carlos Alcaraz's participation in the final Grand Slam of the year. “You can count the US Open out now. There is no way he’s gonna play in the US Open if he’s missing Cincinnati,” Rusedski declared, highlighting the critical role a preparatory tournament plays for a player returning from injury.
The former finalist expressed initial optimism about Alcaraz's recovery after seeing him practice with juniors, noting improvements in movement and striking, but the latest withdrawal changed his perspective. Rusedski believes the injury is more severe than a minor inflammation, speculating on potential tears or even surgery, though acknowledging only Alcaraz and his team truly know the extent. He remarked, “This is taking a lot longer than we thought.”
Prioritizing Long-Term Health Over a Rushed Return
Rusedski strongly advised Alcaraz to prioritize his long-term well-being over a premature return to the court. He suggested that Alcaraz should “take as long as you need to, even if he misses the rest of the year and then starts up again in 2027.” This stark recommendation underscores the serious nature of wrist injuries for tennis players, which Rusedski described as a "big fear."
Attempting to play in New York could lead to a more significant, lasting problem for the seven-time Grand Slam champion. Rusedski emphasized the necessity of being “110 per-cent sure with the body,” especially concerning wrists, which are notoriously difficult to manage regarding injuries and recovery.
Lessons from Other Tennis Player Long-Term Injury Management
To illustrate his point, Rusedski cited the ongoing struggles of former world No. 4 Jack Draper, whose "nightmare" injury experience serves as a cautionary tale. Draper has been plagued by shoulder issues and bone bruising, leaving him in tears during matches and sidelined for nearly a year.
Rusedski believes Alcaraz should reflect on such cases, thinking, “I don’t want to be in a situation like that. I’m going to take as long as I need. I’m not going to rush it back.” This perspective aligns with previous warnings from Andy Murray regarding the complexities of returning from wrist injuries, underscoring the common challenges top players face.
Alcaraz's Silence and Impending US Open Decision Date
Carlos Alcaraz has yet to speak publicly on camera about his injury or his prospects for the US Open. The final decision on his participation in New York is expected to be made just days before the tournament is scheduled to begin.
Despite his current injury woes and withdrawal from Cincinnati, Alcaraz has surprisingly received a temporary rankings boost. However, the immediate focus remains on his recovery and whether he can realistically compete at the highest level without risking his career. For now, his return to action, even for the indoor season, remains uncertain, with Rusedski concluding, “The US Open is not happening.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carlos Alcaraz playing in the US Open?
Based on comments from 1997 US Open finalist Greg Rusedski, it is highly unlikely that Carlos Alcaraz will play in the US Open after withdrawing from his planned comeback event in Cincinnati due to a wrist injury.
Why did Carlos Alcaraz withdraw from Cincinnati?
Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Cincinnati Open due to an ongoing wrist injury he sustained in April at the Barcelona Open. This decision was made as he was stepping up his recovery, indicating the injury is more serious than initially thought and requires further healing.
Who is Greg Rusedski and what did he say about Alcaraz?
Greg Rusedski is a former professional tennis player and the 1997 US Open finalist. He stated that Alcaraz should "count the US Open out" this year because missing Cincinnati makes a best-of-five-set comeback too risky, urging him to prioritize long-term health, potentially sitting out until 2027.
What is the concern with Alcaraz's wrist injury?
Wrist injuries are a major concern for tennis players, considered a "big fear" due to their complexity and potential for long-term issues. Rusedski emphasized that rushing Alcaraz's return to competitive play, especially in a Grand Slam, could lead to more serious and prolonged problems.