Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he feels "great" as he gears up for his US Open title defence, marking his first major appearance since recuperating from a right‑wrist injury he suffered in April. The 23‑year‑old Spaniard, a seven‑time Grand Slam champion, has built a reputation for delivering his best tennis on the sport's biggest stages, and despite the uncertainty surrounding his comeback, he remains a formidable contender.

Alcaraz will open his defence against Russia’s Roman Safiullin, after a brief warm‑up match in mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams. In a candid interview, he explained how the injury forced him to confront the mental side of the game. "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," the young champion said. He added that his focus now is to give 100 percent effort and to shake off any lingering fear, aiming to play with his usual confidence. There were concerns that Alcariz might need to alter his technique to protect his wrist, a dilemma that has also plagued Britain’s Jack Draper, who tried to modify his serve to manage his own injury problems but remains sidelined.

However, Alcaraz insists he has not changed any technical aspects of his game. "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 affirmed.

His priority, he said, is simply to find competitive action and to feel like himself again on the court. The timing of his return is far from ideal, according to Alcaraz, who acknowledges that the US Open—being a best‑of‑five‑sets tournament—poses a massive challenge after such a long lay‑off. "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," he explained. He and his support staff monitored his recovery closely, noting that his body was responding well and that the moment felt right to re‑enter competition.

Alcaraz also commented on the unusual situation of not having seen fellow world No 1 Jannik Sinner, who has also been dealing with 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," he said, expressing genuine concern for his rival. Although he has been away from the tennis circuit, Alcaraz did not completely disappear from the public eye. He had the honour of carrying the World Cup trophy onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium during Spain’s victory over Argentina. "For me it was a lifetime experience, seeing Spain winning the World Cup," he recalled.

He described the moment as unforgettable, noting that Louis Vuitton provided the case for the trophy and that handing it over to the players on the field was a highlight of his career. Looking ahead, Alcaraz’s US Open campaign will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also look forward to the Laver Cup at The O2 in London later in September, which will also be shown on Sky Sports. As the Spaniard steps onto the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, his message is clear: he is eager for competition, confident in his preparation, and ready to defend his crown despite the hurdles he has faced over the past months.