The former US Open finalist who rules out Alcaraz in New York... and suggests he won't play again for the rest of the year

Carlos Alcaraz continues to be the focus of many conversations within a tennis ecosystem that is still questioning when and where he will compete again. His absence from Cincinnati has been a cold shower for his fans and for an ATP circuit that, several months later, still finds itself without one of its major stars. Despite the positive information coming from his camp, indicating that his withdrawal from the U.S. tournament is a matter of timing and caution (nothing to do with a relapse), there are several voices that have taken this decision as a significant complication for the upcoming US Open 2026.

If his absence from Cincinnati is explained by a lack of preparation, returning to the professional circuit and top-level competition after more than five months in a five-set tournament, with the demands and physical and mental fatigue typical of a Grand Slam, could be a decision of moderate risk. Due to the very cautious approach that Alcaraz's team is taking in his recovery, several experts, analysts, and former players assert that a return at the US Open 2026 is, at the very least, an absolute uncertainty... and some have even gone further, claiming we may not see the Murcia player on the courts of Flushing Meadows.

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The blunt statement of a former US Open finalist: "Alcaraz will not be in New York"

This is the case for Greg Rusedski, always lively and eloquent in his podcast 'Off Court with Greg Rusedski'... and perhaps the most emphatic figure when talking about Carlos and his future. "You can rule out the US Open. There is no possibility that Alcaraz will be in New York if he does not play Cincinnati", the Brit stated to begin his argument, he was a finalist in New York over twenty years ago. Why? Greg is very clear that rest and total recovery are Carlos's number one priority... and a return at a Grand Slam could jeopardize that principle.

"Returning directly in New York, with five-set matches of maximum intensity... the chances of that are very small. He will want to keep the 2,000 points, yes, but he already lost those from Cincinnati and I don't think points are his main priority right now", continues arguing Kevin Palmer, collaborator and journalist who accompanies Rusedski in this venture: both share an extreme caution that even leads them to speculate that Alcaraz might not return to the courts this season.

Alcaraz likely to miss US Open after pulling out of Cincinnati comeback, warns Rusedski

Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open has cast serious doubt over his participation in the upcoming US Open, with former Grand Slam finalist Greg Rusehttps://t.co/dIvNM4CvGs pic.twitter.com/vd8mHjKTbu

— M Sports (@MSports_all) August 6, 2026

Could Alcaraz not play for the rest of 2026?

It is a straightforward question... which Rusedski did not avoid, providing a pessimistic answer that aligns with his recent feelings. "Carlos must take all the time he needs... even if that means he does not play for the rest of the year. We have seen something similar with Jack Draper, who is still dealing with issues from his bone bruise in the elbow. It's tough. It's concerning, and I believe Carlos is thinking he doesn't want to end up in a similar situation. That’s why he is willing to take all the time he needs. He will continue to post videos; his sponsors need him, but this recovery could take longer than expected", he argues.

Rusedski also referenced what Carlos's prolonged absence means for the men's circuit, noting that the ATP is going through a "very tough" moment due to the complicated situations of both the Murcia player and the aforementioned Jack Draper. Now all that remains is to wait and see if Greg's catastrophic predictions come true... or if he is merely an ex-player overly concerned about the health of one of the great figures in racket sport.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El exfinalista del US Open que descarta a Alcaraz en Nueva York... y plantea que no jugará más en todo el año