Key Takeaways
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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner both pulled out of Cincinnati due to injury
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Andy Roddick warns that rushing back for best-of-five matches at the US Open is risky
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Aryna Sabalenka struggles for consistency while Learner Tien continues to rise
Alcaraz and Sinner sidelined
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open, raising doubts about their readiness for the US Open. Sinner cited a right knee injury, while Alcaraz’s situation remains uncertain. Andy Roddick expressed concern about the physical demands of returning straight into a Grand Slam. “I think it’s really difficult to come back and finish the first tournament in best-of-five sets. The US Open is in doubt,” Roddick said, stressing the risks of pushing too soon.
The challenge of returning from injury
Roddick explained why training cannot replicate the intensity of match play. “You can prepare as much as you want, but the rhythm of a match, if you’re in a tough situation and it’s 36°C and you’re in the fifth set, it’s not the same,” he noted. He highlighted how opponents exploit weaknesses, recalling Dominic Thiem’s struggles after wrist injuries. For Alcaraz, the danger lies in facing long rallies and high-pressure moments without prior competitive tests.
Sabalenka’s search for form
Aryna Sabalenka, once one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour, is currently struggling to find her rhythm. “She’s not playing badly, she’s just missing something,” Roddick observed. The women’s draw heading into the US Open looks wide open, with Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, Naomi Osaka, and others all in contention. A strong run in Cincinnati could quickly re-establish Sabalenka as a favorite.
Learner Tien’s rise
On the men’s side, Learner Tien has impressed with his consistency and precision. Roddick praised his ability to create space and control rallies. “He beats you with depth and accuracy. He wins every week,” Roddick said, suggesting Tien could soon become the top American player. His performances on fast surfaces have already marked him as a rising star.
Conclusion
With Alcaraz and Sinner out of Cincinnati, the men’s field faces uncertainty ahead of the US Open. Sabalenka’s form adds intrigue to the women’s draw, while Learner Tien’s emergence offers fresh excitement. As Roddick emphasized, the coming weeks will test both recovery and resilience across the tours.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2026
At the moment ranked no.2, Alcaraz played his last match on the 14th of April when he defeated world no.114 Otto Virtanen 6-4 6-2 in the 1st round in Barcelona (draw).
Presently, during this year Carlos has a 22-3 match record. The Spaniard has won 2 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open and Doha.
