Alcaraz says injury uncertainty caused 'intrusive thoughts' ahead of US Open
Carlos Alcaraz said dealing with "intrusive thoughts" about when he would be able to return from a wrist injury was the hardest part of his extended absence, as he prepares to make his comeback at the US Open in New York which begins on Sunday. The 23-year-old has not played a singles match since his opening match at the Barcelona Open on 13 April.
Alcaraz, a seven-time major champion, beat Jannik Sinner in last year’s final at Flushing Meadows and is the reigning New York champion after wins in 2022 and 2025. He made a return to a match court earlier this week when he played mixed doubles alongside 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams. Alcaraz continues to wear a compression sleeve on his playing arm in an effort to protect his wrist.
Wrist injuries are described in the report as notoriously problematic for tennis players and taking risks with such injuries can be costly. Alcaraz has been treated for what is thought to be tenosynovitis, "where the sheath that protects the tendon on the inside of the wrist becomes inflamed." The article notes his forehand generates huge amounts of power, which places significant load on the joint of his playing wrist.
On the mental challenge of uncertainty he said: "Once I started to practice a little bit but didn't know when I'm going to [return], those thoughts were really difficult to deal with," said Alcaraz. "I didn't know if I was going to be ready for Cincinnati, for the US Open, or [if] I'm going to miss the whole American swing. "That was really difficult to deal with, but finally here we are. Those intrusive thoughts were the most difficult things to deal with in this process." He also said he feels "great" as he prepares to make his comeback at the US Open.
Speaking on Friday, he insisted he feels mentally ready to compete in five-set matches at the highest level and will be seeded second at the tournament despite his extended lay-off. "It's really challenging. Probably, you know, in terms of preparation and everything, it is not the best time," said Alcaraz. "But we, my team and me, believe that I'm ready." He added: "I've got to trust my team, I've got to trust my people that tell me it's going be fine. "I just have to go 100%, and right now I think with the practices I have done so far, it's been all good. "I'm trying to stay away from any fear and I'm playing normal."
Alcaraz will start his title defence at the US Open against powerful Russian Roman Safiullin in a contest which is likely to examine his lack of competitive action.