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, already a seven‑time Grand Slam champion, has been absent from the ATP Tour for four months, missing the Barcelona Open, the French Open, Wimbledon, and the recent Cincinnati event. After a brief attempt to schedule a comeback at the Cincinnati Open, Alcaraz withdrew once more, prompting him to enlist the services of well‑known football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano to make the announcement public.
Both athletes took to Instagram to share the news. Alcaraz posted a short video of Romano’s trademark "here we go" catchphrase, accompanied by a waving United States flag, while Romano posted a caption that read: "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 joint post generated a wave of excitement among tennis fans, who have been eager to see the prodigy back in action. Despite the lengthy lay‑off, Alcaraz has retained his No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings.
His résumé over the past year includes a dramatic US Open final victory over Jannik Sinner in 2022, a triumphant Australian Open campaign earlier this season, a win at the ATP 500 Qatar Open, and a runner‑up finish at the Monte‑Carlo Masters. Those achievements cement his status as one of the sport’s brightest talents, and they set the stage for what many expect to be a compelling title defense at Flushing Meadows. The upcoming US Open will be broadcast live on Sky Sports beginning August 30, and fans can also stream the action via the NOW platform.
In addition to the on‑court drama, the tournament has announced a historic increase in prize money, with the total purse rising to $108 million (roughly £80 million). This marks a 20 percent jump for the second year in a row, making it the most lucrative event in tennis history.
Alcaraz’s return is especially noteworthy because he and Sinner are the first male players since the Masters format was introduced in 1990 to miss both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Open yet still compete at the US Open. Historically, participation in at least one of those lead‑up events has been considered essential preparation for the final Grand Slam of the season.
Their ability to bypass that traditional route underscores both their confidence and the depth of their recent successes. When Alcaraz finally steps onto the hard courts later this month, he will be chasing his third US Open title. He first lifted the trophy in 2022, a victory that propelled him to world No.
1 for the first time. He added a second US Open crown last September, reinforcing his reputation as a dominant force on the big stage. With his wrist now healed, the Spaniard hopes to replicate those triumphs and add another chapter to his rapidly growing legacy. The injury that sidelined Alcaraz was a right‑wrist strain that first manifested during the Barcelona Open.
Medical staff recommended a conservative approach, leading to his withdrawal from the tournament and a subsequent decision to skip the rest of the clay season, including his title defense at Roland Garros. The wrist issue also forced him out of Wimbledon, where he had been a favorite to contend for the championship.
Throughout his rehabilitation, Alcaraz focused on a blend of physiotherapy, strength training, and on‑court drills designed to restore his grip strength and flexibility without risking re‑injury. In the weeks leading up to his US Open debut, Alcaraz has been gradually increasing his training intensity. Sources close to the player say he has been practicing his serve, forehand, and backhand with a focus on precision rather than power, ensuring that his wrist can handle the rigors of high‑level competition.
He has also been working with his coaching team to fine‑tune his tactical approach, particularly his ability to transition quickly from baseline rallies to net play—a skill that proved decisive in his previous Grand Slam victories. Fans can look forward to seeing Alcaraz’s signature aggressive style, characterized by blistering groundstrokes, swift footwork, and an uncanny ability to read opponents’ shots. His mental resilience, honed through years of competing at the sport’s highest level, will also be on display as he navigates the pressure of defending a title after a significant injury lay‑off. The US Open itself promises a packed schedule, with a full slate of matches across the tournament’s twelve courts.
In addition to Alcaraz’s campaign, the event will feature a strong field of men’s and women’s competitors, all vying for a share of the record‑breaking prize fund. Sky Sports will provide live coverage, including match commentary, player interviews, and expert analysis, while the NOW streaming service offers an alternative way to catch every rally. As the countdown to August 30 continues, the tennis world watches with anticipation.
Whether Alcaraz can recapture the form that made him a two‑time US Open champion remains to be seen, but his determination, combined with the support of a global fan base and the promotional boost from Fabrizio Romano’s announcement, suggests that his return will be a highlight of the summer sports calendar.