Alcaraz withdraws from Cincinnati tournament due to injury

Spanish world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the $1 million Cincinnati Masters tennis tournament due to a wrist injury that has kept him off the courts since April, organizers announced on Tuesday. The Spaniard will not defend his title at the event, which begins on August 13, because of a “persistent wrist injury.” Tournament director Bob Moran said in a statement: “We know that Carlos is doing everything he can to return to competition as soon as possible. We wish him well in his recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to Cincinnati in the future.” The withdrawal raises concerns about Alcaraz’s anticipated defense of his title at the US Open, the final Grand Slam tournament of the year, which starts on August 30 in New York.