Carlos Alcaraz Set to Defend US Open Crown Following Four-Month Injury Layoff

Carlos Alcaraz is preparing for his competitive return to tennis at the US Open, concluding a four-month hiatus due to a wrist injury as he defends his title in New York.

The seven-times Grand Slam champion announced on Thursday that he will compete in the August 30-September 13 tournament. His absence began in April when he withdrew from the Barcelona Open, subsequently missing the French Open, Wimbledon, and hard-court tournaments in Toronto and Cincinnati.

Although Carlos Alcaraz initially aimed for a comeback at the Cincinnati tournament—where he triumphed last year—he decided to allow additional recovery time for his wrist. Recent weeks have seen him progressively ramp up his training intensity, including hitting sessions with Holger Rune of Denmark at Real Sociedad Club De Campo in El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.

The announcement of his comeback received a unique sports-media rollout when transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano posted on Instagram with his signature phrase, "Here we go!", confirming the player's return to the US Open.

Flushing Meadows holds special meaning for Carlos Alcaraz, as it was the site of his maiden Grand Slam victory in 2022, a milestone that propelled him to become the youngest world number one in ATP history.