The Cincinnati Open doesn't play around. The event has arguably the best facilities of any Masters 1000, and each year seems to be better. But the tournament will make one key change in 2026, and it could be because they listened to Carlos Alcaraz.
Last year, before the tournament that he eventually won for the first time, Alcaraz slightly complained about the final being held on a Monday and not the traditional Sunday. That is the day almost all tournaments have as their final day, as it helps the players get an early start on the next tournament. Plus, a Sunday simply feels like a finality. Monday feels like a beginning.
In his in 2025, Alcaraz said, "It is going to be weird playing a final on a Monday. I am going to feel like what is going on? I don’t know. It’s a different feeling...We are used to seeing a final on Sunday, and it’s going to be weird."
Carlos Alcaraz's complaint in 2025 might have led to a change at the Cincinnati Open in 2026
Alcaraz likely didn't feel too odd after defeating Jannik Sinner in last year's final, a match where the Italian appeared to be ill at the beginning and didn't win a game before retiring before the first set was done. It ended up being an early day for both players.
This year, however, the Cincinnati Masters will revert to having the final on Sunday, not Monday again. This means the entire event will run for 11 days, and not the new normal for Masters 1000 of running for 12 days. The Cincy dates for the main draw are Thursday, August 13, through Sunday, August 23. Qualifying will take place on Tuesday, August 11, and Wednesday, August 12.
The potentially most positive news is that Carlos Alcaraz is hoping to return to defend his title. He hasn't played since April at the Barcelona Open, when he injured his wrist. He has dropped points after not being able to participate in the French Open and Wimbledon. By the time he returns, he will have dropped to ATP No. 3, behind Sinner and Alexander Zverev, respectively.
The sport of tennis needs Alcaraz, however. Zverev has had some off-court issues, and his reputation will forever remain marred in the eyes of some. Sinner is an excellent player, but less effervescent than the highly entertaining Alcaraz.
The Spaniard needs to make sure he isn't returning too soon, however. Reinjuring his wrist would do no one any good. Let's hope he is fully healthy and ready to play at a high level immediately. If that last part happens, he could find himself back in te Cincinnati Open final, only in 2026 that will be on a Sunday, not a Monday.
