Jasmine Paolini has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open 2026 as she continues to recover from a foot injury, ruling herself out of all major warm-up events ahead of the highly anticipated US Open. The Italian star had already withdrawn from WTA tournaments in Washington and Toronto and has now opted for additional recovery time rather than risk an early return.
The world No. 15 has not competed since Wimbledon, where her campaign ended in the quarter-finals against Marta Kostyuk. Paolini had hoped to return in Cincinnati, particularly after reaching the final at the tournament last year, but her priority is now to regain full fitness before the final Grand Slam of the season.
Jasmine Paolini Shares Injury Update On Instagram
Paolini confirmed her Cincinnati withdrawal through an Instagram story, explaining that she had been eager to return to the tournament but needed to focus on her fitness.
“We’ve decided that I won’t be in Cincinnati,” Paolini wrote in an Instagram story on Friday.
“After last year’s final, I was really looking forward to being back, but now the focus is on being 100% ready for the US Open and the rest of the season,” her note read further.
Her decision means Paolini will not defend the 650 ranking points she earned by reaching last year’s Cincinnati final. She defeated Grand Slam champions Barbora Krejcikova and Coco Gauff during that run before losing the championship match to Iga Swiatek.
Jasmine Paolini has withdrawn from Cincinnati.
She was last year’s finalist… hoping to see her at her best and healthy for the U.S. Open.
🇮🇹❤️ pic.twitter.com/QcQZI4ATHl
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 7, 2026
Paolini Targets US Open Return After Injury
The latest withdrawal could have a significant impact on Paolini’s ranking. Currently 15th in the world, she is set to lose her Cincinnati points and could potentially slip outside the top 20 before the US Open, depending on results elsewhere on the WTA Tour.
Paolini has endured an inconsistent 2026 season, compiling a 15-13 win-loss record. Her best result came with a semi-final appearance at a WTA 500 tournament in Mexico, while she also reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon.
The Italian will now concentrate on recovering fully before travelling to New York. She reached the third round at the US Open last year, while her best performance at Flushing Meadows remains a fourth-round appearance in 2024.
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