Cincinnati Open 2026 Begins Without Top Two Players

The 2026 Cincinnati Open is underway in Mason, Ohio, with main draw action beginning on Thursday, August 13. The ATP Masters 1000 event, held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, will conclude with the men's singles final on Sunday, August 23. The tournament features a 96-player draw but is notably missing the world's top two ranked players, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, creating a significant opportunity for the remaining field.

Alcaraz, the defending champion, withdrew due to a wrist injury sustained at the Barcelona Open. Sinner, the world No. 1 and 2024 Cincinnati winner, pulled out citing a right knee injury. Their absence has reshaped the competitive landscape, elevating Alexander Zverev to the top seed. The German, currently ranked No. 3, enters the tournament as the favorite following his victory at the 2026 French Open and a run to the Wimbledon final.

Zverev acknowledged the challenge of competing at the highest level while praising the longevity of his potential rival, Novak Djokovic. "It's amazing. I think Novak, if he chooses to, he could probably stay in the top five for another 3-4 years easily," Zverev said. He also noted the physical demands on the...