Alcaraz's injury woes mount as tennis world shifts focus to hard court season
Alcaraz's injury clouds hard court preparations
The tennis calendar has been dealt a significant blow with Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing from the Cincinnati Open due to a persistent wrist injury. The reigning US Open champion's latest absence has intensified speculation about his readiness to defend his title at Flushing Meadows, marking another setback in what has been a challenging period for the world number one.
Emerging talents headline North American swing
While Alcaraz struggles with fitness, the Canadian Open has provided a platform for other stars. Cameron Norrie advanced to the last 32 with victory over Buse, though the tournament has been overshadowed by Jack Draper's emotional defeat on his comeback from injury. Meanwhile, the circuit is celebrating Alex Eala's historic triumph, which has sparked tennis fever in the Philippines, with the young star now preparing for another challenging draw in Toronto and eyeing further progress at the upcoming US Open.
Off-court innovations and special events shape the season
Beyond the competition, the sport is evolving with tennis players increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to analyse opponents and manage their professional lives. In other developments, the Williams sisters will reunite for doubles at the Cincinnati Open, and tennis fans will witness the return of the million-dollar 1 Point Slam at next year's Australian Open.
Today's tennis headlines
- Norrie beats Buse to reach Canadian Open last 32 — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Game, set, Chat: how tennis players use AI to scout opponents and run their lives — theguardian.com
- Jack Draper in tears as comeback ends in defeat — espn.com
- Williams sisters to pair up at Cincinnati Open — espn.com
- Doubts grow over Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open defence after latest withdrawal — theguardian.com
- Million-dollar 1 Point Slam returning to Aussie Open — espn.com
- ‘Our new champion’: Philippines swept up in tennis fever after Alex Eala’s historic win — theguardian.com
- Eala braces for another brutal draw in Toronto — espn.com
- Alcaraz out of Cincinnati with lingering wrist injury — espn.com
- Hard courts feel like home as Alex Eala eyes another US Open breakthrough — espn.com
- Alcaraz out of Cincinnati Open with lingering injury — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Tearful Jack Draper loses on comeback from injury at Canadian Open — theguardian.com