Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Tennis Pros Back Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open Injury Comeback
Carlos Alcaraz is coming back to tennis after hurting his wrist.
He has not played singles for nearly five months.
He returned to competition by playing mixed doubles at the US Open.
He and Serena Williams reached the quarter-finals.
Some other tennis players believe Alcaraz can become strong again quickly.
They say he is a great champion who performs well in big matches.
The men's matches use five sets, giving him more time to find his rhythm.
Other players also said the comeback may still be difficult because his timing could be affected.
Alcaraz will play Roman Safiullin in his first singles match.
Carlos Alcaraz is returning to the US Open after nearly five months away with a wrist injury.
He last played in mid-April and withdrew from the Cincinnati Open while continuing his recovery.
Alcaraz reached the mixed-doubles quarter-finals with Serena Williams at the US Open.
Jessica Pegula, Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz said his ability and mentality could help him quickly regain form.
Alcaraz is scheduled to face Roman Safiullin on Arthur Ashe Stadium in his opening match.
- Who
- Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, with fellow professionals including Jessica Pegula, Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz commenting on his return.
- What
- Alcaraz is making his singles comeback at the US Open after a wrist injury and a nearly five-month absence.
- When
- He is scheduled to return on Monday, after last playing in mid-April.
- Where
- The US Open in New York, with his opening match scheduled for Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- Why
- He is returning after continuing his recovery from the wrist injury and withdrawing from the Cincinnati Open.
Optimistic Views
Cautious Views
Speed of returning to form
Optimistic Views
Jessica Pegula, Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz said Alcaraz’s champion’s mentality, big-stage experience and ability could help him regain form quickly.
Cautious Views
Paul noted that a wrist injury could affect Alcaraz’s timing, even if his movement is unaffected.
Value of the five-set format
Optimistic Views
Pegula said men's best-of-five-set matches give Alcaraz more time to work his way into competition.
Cautious Views
Pegula also suggested that returning is still challenging, particularly compared with shorter best-of-three-set matches.
Tournament prospects
Optimistic Views
Fritz said that if Alcaraz gets through the first few rounds, he could build match shape, confidence and strong form.
Cautious Views
The players acknowledged that it is not easy to return after a long absence, and Alcaraz’s actual level will only become clear during competition.
- Injury absence
- Alcaraz has been sidelined for nearly five months with a wrist injury.
- Last appearance
- He last played in mid-April before withdrawing from the Barcelona Open second round.
- US Open return
- His singles comeback is scheduled for Monday at the US Open.
- Mixed doubles
- Alcaraz and Serena Williams reached the US Open mixed-doubles quarter-finals.
- Cincinnati Open
- Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament after planning it as his singles comeback.
- Opening opponent
- He is scheduled to play Russian Roman Safiullin.
- Match venue
- The opening match is scheduled for Arthur Ashe Stadium.