Return to Competition
Carlos Alcaraz is confident he can win the US Open as he makes his comeback after a four-month absence due to a right wrist injury. The defending champion in New York will play his first singles match since injuring the wrist at the Barcelona Open in April, facing Roman Safiullin in the opening round. He pointed to examples of other players who have won Grand Slams after long injury absences, saying he and his team will hold onto that belief.[S1]
The season started with Alcaraz becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam by winning in Australia. However, his return to Barcelona shortly after reaching the Monte Carlo final ended with the wrist injury that sidelined him for a lengthy period. He described the uncertainty as the hardest part of the past four months, not knowing when he would be able to compete again.[S1]
Challenging Comeback
Alcaraz admitted that returning at a Grand Slam with best-of-five-set matches is particularly difficult, especially since he only resumed hitting just over four weeks ago. He missed the French Open, where he was also defending champion, and Wimbledon, and was eager not to miss the final major of the year. He acknowledged that the preparation was not ideal but said he and his team believe he is ready.[S1][S2]
The 23-year-old said the choice to come back wasn't simple, and he put in all the effort needed to be prepared, including lengthy and demanding training to check his wrist. After those workouts, everything appeared fine, so they concluded it was the right moment to return. He mentioned that he couldn't imagine a better event than the US Open for his comeback and to experience the crowd's backing once more.[S1][S2]
Mental Battle
Alcaraz opened up about the mental challenges of his recovery, saying that once he started practicing, he did not know when he would be able to play again, which was difficult to handle. He worried about being ready for Cincinnati or the US Open, or missing the entire American swing. He also said he has not changed his playing style to protect the wrist, insisting that the biggest hurdle now is in his head.[S1][S2]
He stated that he has been doing the same things regarding technique and movement, and he just wants to feel like himself. He feels the need for competition and to practice with the best players. He believes the injury has helped him realize that it is all in his head, and he must trust his team and stay away from fear, playing normally.[S2]
