Carlos Alcaraz is reportedly considering taking a wildcard into the Winston-Salem Open, an ATP 250 event, as he prepares to return from a wrist injury that has sidelined him for nearly four months. The world No. 2 recently withdrew from the Cincinnati Open, raising concerns about his participation in the US Open.
Return to ATP 250 level
According to La Verdad, Alcaraz's team is weighing up a request for a wildcard into the Winston-Salem Open, which takes place the week before the US Open. This would give the 23-year-old a chance to test his injured wrist in a competitive match environment.
Should he compete, it would be Alcaraz's first ATP 250 event since reaching the semi-finals of the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires in February 2024. Alcaraz has not played a match since injuring his wrist at the Barcelona Open in April.
Recovery progress
Alcaraz and his team are reportedly feeling positive about his progress after increasing training intensity, but the seven-time Grand Slam champion will not return until he feels fully fit. Organisers of the Cincinnati Open announced his withdrawal on Tuesday, stating: “Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open. Wishing all the best to our 2025 champion in his recovery process. Can’t wait to welcome you next year!”
Despite the withdrawal, Alcaraz shared a photo of himself training on his Instagram story on Wednesday, indicating he remains active on court.
Previous Winston-Salem appearance
Alcaraz has competed in Winston-Salem once before, losing in the semi-finals in 2021 while ranked No. 54. He then reached the quarter-finals of the US Open, his best Major result at that time. A year later, he won his first Grand Slam title in New York and became the youngest world No. 1 in ATP history at 19. He now has seven Major trophies, completing the career Slam at the Australian Open in January.
