Carlos Alcaraz's US Open defence comes under pressure after latest withdrawal
SportLocation Tennis Desk · 2 Sept 2026
Carlos Alcaraz's build-up to the US Open has been thrown into doubt after reports of another withdrawal, with the Spaniard now facing questions over whether he can arrive in time to defend his title.
Carlos Alcaraz's US Open defence is being viewed with growing uncertainty after reports of another withdrawal added to concerns over his fitness ahead of the final major of the season.
The latest update has shifted attention away from the hard-court rally seen in the supplied video and back on to the bigger question around Alcaraz's schedule: whether he can return in time to mount a proper title defence in New York.
Carlos Alcaraz's latest setback
The Guardian reported that doubts are growing over Alcaraz's US Open defence after the latest withdrawal, while olympics.com reported that he has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open in a bid to return to full fitness for the tournament in New York.
That leaves his immediate build-up in a delicate position. The Cincinnati event is one of the most important stops before the US Open, and missing it removes a key chance to sharpen match rhythm on hard courts.
What it means for the US Open
The wider concern is not just the absence of one tournament, but the timing. With the US Open approaching, every decision now appears to be shaped by recovery and readiness rather than ranking points or momentum.
For now, the story around Alcaraz is less about a single result and more about whether he can get back on court in time to defend his place at the top of the draw.
Sources & further reading
The Guardian — Doubts grow over Carlos Alcaraz's US Open defence after latest withdrawal