Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he feels "great" as he gears up to defend his US Open crown, marking his first tournament back after a right‑wrist injury that sidelined him in April. The 23‑year‑old Spaniard, already a seven‑time Grand Slam champion, acknowledges that the long lay‑off has created some uncertainty about his form, but his track record of delivering his best tennis on the sport’s biggest stages suggests he cannot be written off. Alcaraz’s first match in the tournament will be against Russia’s Roman Safiullin, and he will get a quick warm‑up in the mixed‑doubles draw alongside Serena Williams. Speaking to the media, Alcaraz said, "I’m feeling very good, and I think that injury helped me a lot to understand that right now, everything is in my head.
I have to trust my team, trust the people who tell me that everything is going to be fine. So I just have to go 100 per cent. Right now, with the training I’ve done so far, everything has gone well.
I’m trying to get away from that fear and play normally." There were early concerns that Alcaraz might need to alter his technique to protect his wrist, a situation reminiscent of Britain’s Jack Draper, who tried to modify his serve after a similar setback but remains sidelined. However, Alcariz insists his preparation has not required any technical changes. "I haven’t changed anything.
I’ve been doing the same things. I haven’t changed anything technically, in terms of my movements or the way I’m going to play," he explained. "I just wanted to feel that I was going to be myself.
I knew that coming here to the US Open, being a best‑of‑five‑set tournament and being my first tournament after such a long time, was going to be a huge challenge." He admitted that the timing of his return was far from ideal, but both he and his support staff are confident that he is ready. "Probably, in terms of preparation, it wasn’t the ideal time. But my team and I believe that I’m ready. It wasn’t an easy decision.
I did everything I needed to do to be ready. I tried to do everything perfectly, both on and off the court, to feel prepared.
We saw that everything was fine, that everything was responding properly, and we believed it was the right time to come back," Alcaraz said. The Spaniard also commented on the odd circumstance that he has not seen fellow world No.1 Jannik Sinner, who is also nursing an injury, for several months.
"It’s a weird situation to be honest. I just wish him all the best… a great recovery and to see him back in court at his best," Alcaraz added, showing sportsmanship despite the rivalry.
Alcaraz’s absence from the court did not mean he vanished from the public eye. He was invited to carry the World Cup trophy onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium during Spain’s victory over Argentina, a moment he described as "a lifetime experience." He recounted, "Louis Vuitton had the trunks that were carrying the trophy, so they told me that I could do it. It was a lifetime experience for me, holding the trophy in the ceremony and giving it to the team on the field.
It was a great experience." Looking ahead, the US Open will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app without a contract. Fans can also anticipate the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, which will also be shown on Sky Sports. Alcaraz’s return underscores a broader theme in professional tennis: the balance between managing injuries and maintaining competitive momentum. Wrist injuries, in particular, can be tricky for players who rely heavily on spin and power, as the wrist is essential for generating the racquet head speed that fuels modern baseline play.
Rehabilitation typically involves a mix of physiotherapy, gradual on‑court work, and mental conditioning to rebuild confidence. For Alcaraz, the mental aspect appears to be a focal point. He emphasized the importance of trusting his team and silencing any lingering fear.
This mindset mirrors the approach taken by many top athletes who view injury recovery as not just a physical process but a psychological one. By keeping his routine unchanged and focusing on feeling "normal" on the court, Alcaraz aims to avoid over‑compensating, which can lead to new injuries. The upcoming match against Safiullin will be a litmus test.
Safiullin, a solid baseliner with a powerful serve, offers a stern early challenge. If Alcaraz can navigate this opening round without showing signs of rust, it will send a strong signal that his wrist has healed sufficiently and that his competitive instincts are intact.
Beyond the immediate tournament, Alcaraz’s situation may influence how other players and coaches handle post‑injury returns. The decision to resume competition at a Grand Slam, rather than easing back in smaller events, is bold but reflects confidence in his preparation. It also highlights the pressure elite players face to defend points and maintain rankings, especially when a major title is at stake. In summary, Carlos Alcaraz is back, feeling optimistic, and eager for competition.
He insists his game plan remains unchanged, his preparation has been thorough, and his mental focus is sharp. While the wrist injury forced an unexpected pause, it also gave him a chance to reflect on the mental components of his sport.
As the US Open unfolds, all eyes will be on the young Spaniard to see whether he can translate his confidence into another championship run, while also watching how his recovery narrative may set a precedent for injury management in the modern era of tennis.