Carlos Alcaraz will return to action at the US Open this week after four months out with a wrist injury, ending weeks of uncertainty over his participation. Seeded second, the 23-year-old last played in April at the Barcelona tournament.
Alcaraz’s Road to Recovery
Alcaraz and his team concluded he is fit to compete after a stretch of long, high-intensity practice sessions designed to test how his wrist responds during and after heavy workloads. He acknowledged the decision to come back now was not straightforward.
The early stages of his layoff were the most difficult, as he was unable to use his right arm for about a month. He spent that time at home with family and friends, but once training resumed he faced the challenge of not knowing whether he would be ready for the North American swing, including Cincinnati or the US Open.
Despite the injury, he does not plan to alter his technique or playing style. He aims to play his usual aggressive game and focus on feeling like himself on court. Flushing Meadows has special significance for Alcaraz. In 2022, he won his first major title there and became the youngest World No. 1 in the history of the PIF ATP Rankings. He arrives in New York as the defending champion and took part in mixed doubles earlier in the week alongside Serena Williams.
Alcaraz emphasized the need to reacclimate to top-level competition, using practice with other players on site to sharpen his game. He views much of the comeback as a mental test, relying on his team’s guidance and setting out to play without hesitation.
He opens his singles campaign against Roman Safiullin. The Spaniard enters the tournament intent on putting the injury behind him and competing at full intensity. Alcaraz’s determination to return to the court and reclaim his position among the top players is commendable and showcases his resilience and passion for the sport.