Alcaraz Set for US Open Singles Return After Wrist Layoff

Carlos Alcaraz says he is ready to return to singles competition at the US Open after a wrist injury kept him off the tour for more than four months. BBC Sport reported that the 23-year-old Spaniard has not played a singles match since his opening appearance at the Barcelona Open on April 13.

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The seven-time major champion is due to begin his title defence against Russia's Roman Safiullin after the tournament starts in New York on Sunday. Alcaraz, seeded second despite his extended absence, defeated Jannik Sinner in the 2025 final and is seeking a third US Open crown after victories in 2022 and 2025.

Alcaraz told BBC Sport that uncertainty over the timetable for his comeback was the hardest part of the recovery. He did not know whether he would be fit for Cincinnati, the US Open or any part of the North American hard-court swing. He described the resulting worries as intrusive thoughts but said he now feels great and believes he is ready to compete.

The injury was diagnosed as tenosynovitis, an inflammation affecting the sheath around a tendon on the inside of the wrist. Alcaraz continues to wear a compression sleeve on his playing arm as protection. His forehand places significant load on that joint, making his recovery and ability to sustain five-set tennis central questions as he resumes singles play.

He did return to a match court earlier in US Open week, partnering 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams in the mixed doubles event. That appearance provided some competition, but the Safiullin match will be his first singles test since April and will require a different physical workload.

Alcaraz acknowledged that the lengthy interruption has not produced ideal preparation for a major tournament. However, he said recent practice sessions have gone well and that he trusts the assessment of his team. He intends to play normally and at full intensity rather than allowing fear of another problem to dictate his tennis, while the opening round will offer the first competitive measure of how his wrist responds.