Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he feels "great" as he gears up to defend his US Open crown, marking his first major appearance since recuperating from a right‑wrist injury that sidelined him in April. The 23‑year‑old Spaniard, a seven‑time Grand Slam champion, has long been celebrated for delivering his best tennis on the sport’s biggest stages, and despite the uncertainty surrounding his comeback, he remains a formidable contender.
Alcaraz’s first match in the tournament will see him face Russia’s Roman Safiullin, following a brief mixed‑doubles warm‑up alongside Serena Williams. Speaking to the press, Alcaraz emphasized the mental side of his recovery: "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 the wrist problem might force Alcaraz to alter his technique to avoid a recurrence, a scenario that has already affected other players such as Britain’s Jack Draper, who tried to modify his serve but remains sidelined. However, Alcaraz insists that his game plan has not changed. "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 said. "I just wanted to feel that I was going to be myself." The US Open, a best‑of‑five‑sets event, presents a significant challenge for Alcaraz, especially as it is his first tournament after a lengthy hiatus.
He acknowledged that the timing of his preparation was not ideal, but expressed confidence in his readiness. "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 also reflected on the broader landscape of men’s tennis, noting the oddity of not having 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," he added.
While his focus has been on recovery, Alcaraz has not been completely removed from the public eye. He participated in a memorable moment when he helped carry 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.
"Louis Vuitton had the trunks that was carrying the trophy, so they told me that I'm down to do it. And, I mean, it was a lifetime experience for me, like holding the trophy in the ceremony, to give it to them, you know, on the field.
So it was a great experience." The upcoming US Open matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports beginning August 30, with additional streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also look forward to the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, which will be shown on the same network. Beyond the immediate tournament, Alcaraz’s return raises several broader questions about the physical demands of modern tennis and how top players manage injury risk. Wrist injuries, in particular, can be debilitating for a player whose game relies heavily on powerful groundstrokes and precise serve placement.
The rehabilitation process typically involves a combination of physiotherapy, targeted strength training, and gradual on‑court work to restore confidence in the injured limb. Alcaraz’s statement that he feels "very good" suggests that his medical team has successfully navigated these steps, allowing him to resume full practice without lingering pain. Moreover, his insistence that he has not altered his technique underscores a philosophical approach to recovery: rather than compromising his natural style, he has focused on mental resilience and trust in his support staff. This mindset mirrors the attitudes of other elite athletes who view setbacks as opportunities to reinforce mental toughness.
By maintaining his original playing patterns, Alcaraz aims to preserve the fluidity and aggression that have defined his ascent to the top of the rankings. The psychological component of his comeback cannot be overstated.
Alcaraz mentioned that he needed to overcome fear and trust his team, highlighting the importance of a stable support network in elite sport. Confidence on the court is often built on a foundation of trust in one’s body and the people who guide recovery. In high‑pressure environments like the US Open, even a slight doubt can affect shot selection and match strategy.
Looking ahead, the match against Safiullin will serve as a litmus test for Alcaraz’s readiness. Safiullin, a solid baseliner with a strong backhand, will provide a respectable early challenge. If Alcariz can navigate this opening round without physical hindrance, it will set the tone for a deep run that could see him add another Grand Slam title to his résumé. In summary, Carlos Alcaraz returns to the US Open with optimism, a clear mental focus, and a belief that his game remains unchanged despite a recent wrist injury.
He is eager for competition, confident in his preparation, and ready to defend his crown against a capable field. The tennis world will be watching closely to see whether his recovery translates into on‑court success, and whether his steadfast approach to his game can withstand the rigors of a Grand Slam tournament after a significant layoff.