Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Alcaraz Returns For US Open After Four-Month Layoff
Carlos Alcaraz is coming back to tennis after missing four months.
He had pain in his right forearm and also has concerns about his wrist.
He withdrew from several tournaments while trying to recover.
He briefly played in Madrid but then pulled out of the Italian Open.
Last year, he showed that he could succeed even without many recent matches.
He won both the French Open and Wimbledon after having little match practice.
If his wrist is healthy, he could advance far at the US Open.
Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Zverev could make the tournament difficult for him.
The article says Alcaraz might even defend his title if he is fit.
Carlos Alcaraz is returning to competition at the US Open after a four-month layoff.
The Spaniard previously withdrew from the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open because of a right forearm injury.
He briefly returned at the Madrid tournament before withdrawing from the Italian Open with continued forearm pain.
In 2024, Alcaraz won the French Open and Wimbledon despite entering the French Open with limited match fitness.
His title chances may depend on whether his wrist is fully healed, while Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Zverev present potential challenges.
- Who
- Carlos Alcaraz, with Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Zverev identified as possible contenders or threats.
- What
- Alcaraz is returning to Grand Slam competition after a four-month layoff and is being assessed as a possible US Open title contender.
- When
- At the US Open, following a four-month absence.
- Where
- The US Open; the article also mentions previous withdrawals from tournaments in Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, and Italy.
- Why
- Alcaraz missed time because of pain from a right forearm injury and is now returning after recovery.
Reasons For Optimism
Reasons For Caution
Alcaraz's title prospects
Reasons For Optimism
Alcaraz previously won the French Open and Wimbledon after entering with little match fitness, suggesting he can quickly regain form.
Reasons For Caution
His chances depend on whether his wrist is fully healed and capable of handling the demands of a Grand Slam.
Competition
Reasons For Optimism
The article suggests uncertainty about Jannik Sinner's fitness and says Alcaraz has usually handled Zverev well.
Reasons For Caution
Sinner, Zverev, and an experienced Novak Djokovic could still challenge Alcaraz, with Djokovic potentially conserving energy for the tournament's later stages.
- Player
- Carlos Alcaraz
- Layoff
- Four months
- Injury
- Right forearm injury, with the article also referring to wrist fitness
- Previous withdrawals
- Monte Carlo Masters, Barcelona Open, and Italian Open
- Brief return
- Alcaraz briefly returned at the Madrid tournament
- Recent Grand Slam results
- He won the French Open and Wimbledon in 2024 despite limited match fitness
- Potential challengers
- Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and Zverev