Alcaraz returns at US Open after wrist injury layoff

Carlos Alcaraz will defend his US Open title in New York after confirming his return from a right wrist injury that sidelined him for over four months. The Spaniard, who dropped to world No. 3 during his absence, announced his comeback on social media with the message "Here we go" Source: El Nacional (VE). The tournament runs from August 30 to September 13, with a prize pool exceeding $100 million, a 20% increase from last year Source: excelsiormx.

The comeback

Alcaraz last played on April 14 at the Conde de Godó, where he felt wrist pain and later withdrew Source: El Confidencial. He missed Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the North American hard-court events, a layoff of 138 days Source: Milenio. He has been training intensively with Holger Rune in Murcia, including a four-hour session Source: COPE. His former coach Juan Carlos Ferrero praised his mentality: "Puede irse cinco días y no entrenar y todo sigue igual" Source: El Confidencial.

Expectations and rivals

Opinions differ on how far Alcaraz can go. COPE's Ángel García Muñiz believes he returns "convencido de que puede aspirar a ganar el torneo perfectamente" Source: COPE, while actor Pedro Ruiz cautions, "Siendo sensatos no hay que esperar demasiado" Source: ABC. Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1, has not confirmed his participation due to a knee injury, which could ease Alcaraz's path Source: Infobae. Roger Federer said he would have loved to face Alcaraz and is glad to see him back Source: Infobae.

Key facts

• Alcaraz has won the US Open twice (2022, 2025) and has a 24-3 record there Source: excelsiormx.
• He is one of 10 players to defend a Grand Slam title on two different surfaces Source: excelsiormx.
• 1,000 tickets at $100 each will be available to New York residents Source: excelsiormx.