Carlos Alcaraz may yet appear at the US Open, although many around the sport still expect the final Grand Slam of 2026 not to serve as his comeback after a long injury absence.

The defending champion has not competed since hurting his wrist at the Barcelona Open in April. His decision to withdraw from the French Open and Wimbledon soon after underlined how serious the problem was.

In recent days, Alcaraz has increased his work as he builds toward a return. A headline-grabbing hitting session with Holger Rune earlier this week drew considerable attention when video from the practice court circulated on social media.

Rune is also working his way back after rupturing his Achilles tendon last November, and he too is considering whether a US Open appearance is realistic. For both players, a mixed doubles outing next week may be a more manageable first step before the main draw begins in New York on Sunday, August 30th.

Neither Alcaraz nor Rune is currently entered for the mixed doubles event, but the format could offer a lower-intensity setting to judge whether they are ready for the demands of the US Open. A return to best-of-five-set tennis after such lengthy time away would clearly carry risk.

There is also the possibility of strong exposure for both players’ sponsors if they reappear in New York in the mixed doubles. Alcaraz previously played with Britain’s Emma Raducanu, while Rune teamed with America’s Amanda Anisimova in last year’s event. Those matches were finished quickly, which is part of why the competition could suit a cautious comeback.

Reports indicate both men may still be granted wildcard access later this month, with USTA chiefs leaving that door open.

Alcaraz withdrew from this week’s Cincinnati Open, yet he still appears tempted by the idea of playing at Flushing Meadows. Former British No 1 Greg Rusedski, though, believes caution is the wiser route.

“You can count the US Open out now. There is no way he’s gonna play in the US Open if he’s missing Cincinnati,” said Rusedski on the latest edition of his podcast.

He added that the length of the absence suggests something more serious than simple inflammation and said he would be surprised to see Alcaraz return in New York.

Alex Eala is on course to reach a new career milestone in the WTA Rankings even after her third-round exit at the 2026 Cincinnati Open.

The Filipina player was beaten 6-4, 4-6, 2-6 by ninth seed Amanda Anisimova in a demanding last-32 match at the WTA 1000 event in Mason, Ohio. It was the first meeting between Eala and the world No 10, the 24-year-old American who has twice finished runner-up at Grand Slams.

Eala entered Cincinnati as the 17th seed and made her tournament debut there. She opened with a first-round bye before defeating Elena-Gabriela Ruse in the second round. The 21-year-old has still produced a strong North American hard-court campaign, compiling an 8-2 record so far.

Her summer run included five wins at the Washington Open, where she claimed her maiden WTA Tour title. She then added two more victories at the Canadian Open to stretch her winning streak to seven matches before Belinda Bencic ended her progress in the last 16.

Eala began the Cincinnati Open at a career-high world No 20, built on her results in Washington DC and Toronto. By reaching the second round in Cincinnati, she earned 65 ranking points and moved to 2,281 points in total. That has lifted her two places to 18th in the Live WTA Rankings, which would be another best mark.

Her position is not yet secure, though, as players below her in the Live Rankings are still active in Cincinnati and could still move ahead of her.

Before the tournament, Eala explained what she would regard as success in Cincinnati.

“I think it’s just the level that I play,” Eala replied. “And of course, the more matches, the merrier, right?

“But it’s the matches of substance, and it’s the ones that… did I execute what I want to execute? Did I bring the level that I wanted to bring?

“So, if I lose first round, but it’s a really good match, not to say that it’s a successful week, but it wasn’t a bad one. And if I reach the final, then I’ll take that too (laughs).”

Alex Eala’s momentum on the WTA Tour is being reflected not only in results, but also in the numbers attached to her season. After capturing her first tour title in Washington and following it with encouraging performances at WTA 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati, the Filipina has pushed higher in the rankings and added to her prize money total.

Her rise has made her one of the most discussed players in the women’s game in recent weeks. A win over defending champion Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon sent her into the global spotlight, and her form on North American hard courts suggests that attention will continue as the US Open approaches. Night session appearances in the opening week appear likely for the 21-year-old.

Eala’s run in Cincinnati ended with a narrow loss to 2025 US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova on Monday, but the third-round showing still earned her $47,605. That amount lifted her beyond the $3m mark in career prize money, a notable milestone for a player still early in her professional career.

She remains a long way from the all-time prize money record of $94,932,862. Aryna Sabalenka sits second on $50,341,247, while a six-time Grand Slam champion is third on $46,971,769. Venus Williams is fourth with $43,162,380.

There is also room for Eala to make a substantial move up the earnings list if she performs well at the US Open, where the final major of the year could bring a sizeable payday. Last year’s event set records, with $5m awarded to the champions for the first time in a Grand Slam tournament.

Her profile is already backed by sponsorships with Nike, Globe Telecom, Babolat, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Milo Philippines and Locally Juice, and that list could grow as her results continue to build.