World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has extended his injury layoff to over four months after right‑wrist tenosynovitis at the Barcelona Open, costing him 4,800 ranking points. Though back on the practice court, he has opted to skip Montréal in favor of a measured comeback aimed at Cincinnati and the US Open.
Spanish tennis prodigy Carlos Alcaraz was ruled out of the 2026 National Bank Open in Montréal, marking nearly a four‑month absence since the right‑wrist tenosynovitis that sidelined him at the Barcelona Open in April. The withdrawal not only stripped him of 4,800 ranking points but also tightened the battle for the No. 2 spot, with Alexander Zverev now within striking distance.
Injury Background and Rehabilitation Strategy
The initial prognosis after the Barcelona incident suggested a brief recovery, but medical examinations later confirmed tenosynovitis—a painful inflammation of the tendon sheath. Alcaraz’s team responded with a cautious rehab plan, emphasizing wrist protection and gradual load increase. On Instagram he posted a video captioned “On the right path,” showing himself on court with a protective wrist bandage and an unstrung racket—a classic technique that lets players work on footwork and swing mechanics without stressing the injured joint.
Why Montréal Was Skipped
The Montréal Masters entry list, featuring stars such as Jannik Sinner, Felix Auger‑Aliassime, Alexander Zverev and defending champion Ben Shelton, does not include Alcaráz. The decision reflects a strategic choice: rather than gamble on a two‑week Masters event, he is targeting a full‑scale return at the Cincinnati Masters, where he captured the title last season, before defending his US Open crown.
Impact on Rankings
Alcaraz now sits on 8,160 live points, while Zverev has closed the gap to 7,890. With roughly 3,000 points to defend during the North American hard‑court swing, an early, sub‑optimal comeback could jeopardise his season‑long momentum. The measured approach aims to preserve his long‑term health and maintain his position among the elite.
Looking Ahead
Although a definitive return date has not been announced, recent training footage suggests a steady increase in intensity. The coming weeks will likely resemble a mini pre‑season, blending cardio, strength work, and progressively tougher tennis drills. If the plan stays on track, Cincinnati will serve as the launchpad for Alcaraz’s 2026 campaign, setting the stage for a potential US Open title defense.
