Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he feels "great" as he prepares to defend his US Open crown, marking his first tournament back after a right‑wrist injury that forced him out of competition in April. The 23‑year‑old Spaniard, a seven‑time Grand Slam champion, acknowledges that his long lay‑off has created uncertainty about his form, but his reputation for delivering his best tennis on the biggest stages means he cannot be written off. Alcaraz will open his title defence against Russia’s Roman Safiullin, following a brief warm‑up in the mixed‑doubles draw alongside Serena Williams. In a candid interview, he explained how the injury forced him to confront the mental side of the sport: "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 concerns that Alcaraz might need to alter his technique to protect his wrist, a scenario that has forced other players, such as Britain’s Jack Draper, to experiment with changes to their serve in an effort to manage lingering injuries.
However, Alcaraz insists he has made no technical adjustments. "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, represents a massive test for Alcaraz, especially as it is his first major appearance since the wrist setback. He admits the timing of his preparation was far from ideal, but both he and his support team feel 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 explained.
Alcaraz also commented on the odd circumstance of not having seen fellow world No.1 Jannik Sinner, who has also been sidelined with 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’s health. While recovering, Alcaraz remained in the public eye, most notably when he was invited to carry the World Cup trophy onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium as Spain celebrated a victory over Argentina. He described the experience as "a lifetime experience," noting that the trophy was presented in a Louis Vuitton case and that handing it over to his teammates on the field was a moment he will never forget. Looking ahead, Alcaraz’s focus is on finding the right level of competition to sharpen his game.
"I need competition," he declared, emphasizing that the best way to regain his rhythm is by playing against top‑level opponents rather than easing back into lower‑stakes matches. This mindset aligns with his history of thriving under pressure; his previous Grand Slam triumphs have often come after periods of adversity, and his mental resilience has become a hallmark of his career. The US Open coverage will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app for viewers without a contract. In addition to the singles draw, fans can also catch Alcariz’s mixed‑doubles partnership with Serena Williams, offering a unique glimpse of two of the sport’s brightest stars sharing the court.
Beyond the immediate tournament, Alcaraz’s return raises broader questions about the impact of injuries on young elite athletes. Wrist injuries, in particular, can be tricky for modern baseline players who rely heavily on heavy topspin and powerful groundstrokes. Rehabilitation typically involves a combination of physiotherapy, gradual strength building, and careful monitoring of load during training sessions.
Alcaraz’s decision to maintain his existing technique suggests confidence in his physical recovery program and a belief that altering his swing could compromise his natural game. Experts note that the mental aspect of returning from injury is often more challenging than the physical. Players must overcome the fear of re‑injury, rebuild confidence in their shot selection, and trust that their body will respond under the intense pressure of Grand Slam matches. Alcaraz’s statements about “getting away from that fear” and “playing normally” highlight his awareness of these psychological hurdles.
If Alcaraz can translate his pre‑injury form onto the hard courts of Flushing Meadows, he will join an elite group of players who have successfully defended the US Open after a significant lay‑off. Past champions who have done so include Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, both of whom demonstrated that experience and mental fortitude can outweigh any temporary physical setbacks. In summary, Carlos Alcaraz is poised to make a compelling comeback at the US Open. He feels physically ready, has resisted the urge to modify his technique, and is eager for high‑level competition to test his readiness.
While the timing of his return may not have been perfect, his confidence in his preparation and his support team’s guidance suggest he will approach the tournament with the same intensity that has defined his rapid rise to the top of the sport. Fans can look forward to a thrilling defense of his title, a potential showdown with rising stars, and the continued evolution of a player who has already left an indelible mark on modern tennis.