Alcaraz's Return Plan: Cincinnati

Carlos Alcaraz's return destination is becoming clear following a right wrist cartilage injury that began with his withdrawal from Barcelona's Godó Tournament in April, forcing him to miss Madrid, Roland Garros, and Wimbledon. The Spanish star is expected to make his comeback at the Cincinnati Masters, starting August 11. After an absence of nearly four months, the timing of his return is highly critical.

Having won both Cincinnati and the subsequent US Open last year, the 23-year-old star will have to defend a staggering 3,000 points during the North American hard-court swing. In contrast, Alexander Zverev, who just took the world No. 2 spot from him, only has 900 points to defend in the same period. This means the gap could widen for Alcaraz, who dropped to No. 3 and is currently 320 points behind Zverev. Alcaraz's only consolation is that his position from behind is secure. He holds a massive 3,420-point lead over world No. 4 Félix Auger-Aliassime. Even if he misses the US Open entirely, it is highly unlikely he will drop below No. 3 in the short term. All eyes will now be on the form Alcaraz displays upon his return to Cincinnati.

Image: BBC Sports Source: Tennis365