Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he feels "great" as he gears up for his US Open title defense, marking his first tournament back after a right‑wrist injury that sidelined him in April. The 23‑year‑old Spaniard, a seven‑time Grand Slam champion, has long been known for stepping up his game on tennis' biggest stages, and despite the uncertainty surrounding his comeback, he remains a formidable contender. Alcaraz will open his campaign against Russia's Roman Safiullin, following a brief warm‑up appearance in mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams.

"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 champion said.

He added that his focus now is to give 100 percent, saying, "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 Alcariz might need to alter his playing style to protect his wrist, similar to how Britain's Jack Draper modified his serve to manage his own injury issues. 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 explained. "I just wanted to feel that I was going to be myself." The US Open, a best‑of‑five‑set event, presents a significant challenge for Alcaraz, especially as it is his first tournament after a lengthy layoff.

He acknowledged that the timing of his preparation was far from ideal, but he and his support team feel confident about 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," he said. Alcaraz also reflected on the odd circumstance 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, showing sportsmanship despite the competitive rivalry.

During his time away from the court, Alcaraz was not completely out of the public eye. He had the honor of carrying the World Cup trophy onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium as Spain celebrated a victory over Argentina. "For me it was a lifetime experience, seeing Spain winning the World Cup," he recalled.

He described the moment of holding the trophy, noting that Louis Vuitton provided the case that carried it, and how unforgettable it felt to present the trophy on the field. Looking ahead, Alcaraz's US Open matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports starting August 30, with streaming options available through NOW and the Sky Sports app. Fans can also catch the Laver Cup in London later in September on the same platforms. In summary, Alcaraz's return is driven by a desire for high‑level competition rather than any fundamental change to his game.

He believes his mental preparation and trust in his team have set the stage for a successful defense of his title. While the wrist injury forced a pause in his season, it also provided an opportunity for introspection, reinforcing his belief that confidence and mindset are as crucial as physical readiness.

As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on the young Spaniard to see whether he can translate his renewed mental clarity into on‑court success and add another Grand Slam crown to his impressive résumé.