Carlos Alcaraz is set to step back onto the courts of Flushing Meadows for the US Open, marking his first appearance since a wrist injury forced him out of competition in April. The 23‑year‑old Spaniard, a seven‑time Grand Slam champion, has been absent from the ATP Tour for several months, missing his chances to defend titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon after withdrawing from the Barcelona Open due to the same wrist problem.
Initially, Alcaraz had planned to make his comeback at the Cincinnati Masters later this month, but he subsequently pulled out of that event as well. Instead, he turned to well‑known football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano to help publicise his return to the sport. Both athletes used Instagram to break the news, and Alcaraz also posted Romano’s signature phrase "here we go" on X, accompanied by an image of the United States flag, signaling his readiness to compete in New York. In Romano’s Instagram caption he wrote: "Here we go!
Carlos Alcaraz will return to the tour at the US Open after spending four months sidelined with a right wrist injury. Ready to come back." The message was met with a flood of supportive comments from fans and fellow players alike, all eager to see the young star back in action.
Despite the lengthy lay‑off, Alcaraz remains ranked No. 2 in the world, a testament to the points he accumulated before his injury. He captured the US Open title last year by defeating Jannik Sinner in a thrilling final, and he opened the 2024 season with a triumph at the Australian Open.
Earlier in the year he also secured the ATP 500 Qatar Open crown and reached the final of the Monte‑Carlo Masters, underscoring his status as one of the sport’s premier talents. Now, with the US Open looming, Alcaraz will be looking to add a third title at Flushing Meadows to his résumé.
His first Grand Slam victory came in 2022, a win that propelled him to the world No. 1 ranking. He followed that up with a second US Open triumph in September 2023, confirming his place among the elite of the modern game.
The upcoming tournament, which begins on August 30, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering viewers the chance to watch Alcaraz’s potential third championship run. The US Open itself is generating excitement beyond the on‑court action. Organisers have announced a record‑breaking prize‑money pool of $108 million (about £80 million), representing a 20 percent increase for the second year running and the largest purse in tennis history.
This financial boost reflects the tournament’s growing commercial appeal and its commitment to rewarding players at all levels. Alcaraz’s return also adds intrigue to the broader narrative of the 2024 season. Both he and Sinner missed the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open, two key warm‑up events that traditionally serve as preparation for the US Open. Historically, no male player has claimed the US Open title since the Masters format was introduced in 1990 without having competed in at least one of those tournaments, making Alcaraz’s path to the championship a bit more unconventional.
Fans can follow the action through a variety of platforms. The US Open will be streamed live on the NOW service, and Sky Sports will provide comprehensive coverage, including match highlights, player interviews, and in‑depth analysis.
The Sky Sports app offers additional features such as video replays, news updates, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content. For the best viewing experience, the organisers recommend using the Chrome browser to access the tournament’s video player.
Beyond the immediate excitement of Alcaraz’s comeback, his situation highlights the broader challenges athletes face when returning from injury. Wrist injuries, in particular, can be tricky for tennis players because they affect both serve power and groundstroke precision. Alcaraz’s rehabilitation program reportedly involved a combination of physiotherapy, targeted strength training, and gradual on‑court practice to rebuild confidence in his right wrist. His successful return will likely serve as a case study for other players dealing with similar setbacks.
In summary, Carlos Alcaraz is poised to make a highly anticipated return at the US Open, with Fabrizio Romano helping to amplify the announcement across social media. The Spaniard’s ranking remains high despite his absence, and his recent achievements—including an Australian Open title and a Qatar Open victory—underscore his readiness to compete at the highest level once again.
As the tournament approaches, tennis enthusiasts can look forward to a compelling storyline: a young champion seeking a third US Open crown, a historic prize‑money increase, and the ever‑present drama of a sport where injuries and comebacks are part of the narrative. The stage is set, the flags are flying, and, as Romano declared, "Here we go!"