Key Takeaways
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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner both pulled out of Cincinnati with injuries, raising doubts about their US Open participation
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Holger Rune revealed details of his Achilles rehab and hinted at a possible return during Davis Cup, Tokyo, or Shanghai
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Rune switched to a Wilson Blade 98 racket, praising its stability and spin compared to his previous Babolat Aero 98
Chaos in Canada and Cincinnati
Andy Roddick described the unusual situation at the Masters events in Canada and Cincinnati, noting that no top five men reached the third round in Montreal for the first time since 1991. Injuries and withdrawals have created a wide-open field, with Alexander Zverev also exiting early. Roddick explained that the timing and physical demands of these tournaments often leave players vulnerable.
Alcaraz and Sinner injuries
Both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner withdrew from Cincinnati, Alcaraz due to a wrist issue and Sinner with a right knee injury. Roddick cautioned against rushing back for the US Open. “I think it’s really hard to come back and have your first tournament be three out of five sets,” he said, stressing that match conditions cannot be replicated in practice and that nerves and endurance play a decisive role.
Sabalenka and the women’s draw
Aryna Sabalenka’s recent struggles have added to the unpredictability of the women’s field. Roddick noted that while she is not playing badly, she appears unsettled. With Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, and others in contention, the US Open women’s draw looks wide open.
Learner Tien’s rise
Roddick praised Learner Tien’s consistency and accuracy, predicting that he could soon become the top American player. His ability to win on fast surfaces and create space with precise ball striking has impressed observers.
Rune’s rehab and comeback plan
Holger Rune joined the show to provide an update on his Achilles recovery. “It’s a long process as we all knew was going to happen, but rehab is going well. Now it’s less about rehab, but more about getting ready to perform again,” Rune said. He explained that he is building up from one set to three in training and focusing on explosivity and endurance.
Daily routine and hitting partners
Rune described his schedule, which includes prolonged warm-ups, mobility work, plyometrics, and two-hour tennis sessions. He has trained with Lorenzo Musetti, Flavio Cobolli, and Alexander Müller, noting the difference in intensity when facing tour-level players.
Racket switch
Rune confirmed he has switched to the Wilson Blade 98. “I find it creates stability, amazing racket head speed, a lot of spin, a lot of power,” he explained, comparing it favorably to his old Babolat Aero 98.
Rune hopes to make his comeback at the Davis Cup in front of Danish fans before targeting Tokyo and Shanghai. He emphasized that his Achilles is holding up well and that he is beginning to see “light at the end of the tunnel.” With Alcaraz and Sinner sidelined, Rune’s return could add fresh intrigue to the upcoming fall swing.
Jannik Sinner in 2026
Ranked world no.1, the Italian played his last match on the 12th of July when he beat world no.3 Alexander Zverev 6-7(7) 7-6(2) 6-3 6-4 in the final in Wimbledon to win his 31st career title.
This season the Italian achieved a compiled 44-3 win-loss record. Sinner has won 6 titles in 2026 in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome and Wimbledon.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2026
At the moment ranked no.2, Alcaraz played his last match on the 14th of April when he beat world no.114 Otto Virtanen 6-4 6-2 in the 1st round in Barcelona (draw).
At present, during this year Alcaraz has an overall 22-3 record. Alcaraz conquered 2 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open and Doha.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz squared off 18 times. Their current head to head is 11-7 for Alcaraz.
