Carlos Alcaraz Admits He ‘Missed Everything’ While Recovering From Injury Ahead of US Open Comeback

Carlos Alcaraz has already arrived in New York for the season’s last Grand Slam, the US Open. Before starting his singles campaign, the Spaniard will play mixed doubles with 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams.

Alcaraz will be bidding to defend his singles title. Last year, he registered an easy four-set win over his arch-rival Jannik Sinner in the final. But the five-time Grand Slam champion won’t be competing due to a knee injury.

Alcaraz will play as the second seed, while reigning French Open champion Alexander Zverev is the first seed. The US Open is Alcaraz’s first tournament since the Barcelona Open, as during his home event, he injured his wrist and ended up skipping every event prior to the US Open, including the Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

He put his name on the entry list for the Cincinnati Masters but eventually withdrew. Alcaraz, following his practice session at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Sunday (August 23), talked about his feelings about his return.

After a couple of months recovering from my injury, I miss everything. I miss this place, I miss the crowd, I miss the ball kids. I think I couldn’t have started at a better place than here, so I feel very grateful. I’m just happy. Yeah, I mean, it is a very special tournament for me. It’s a Grand Slam, best of five. So yeah, as I said, after more than four months, coming back at a Grand Slam wasn’t an easy decision, but I just tried to put everything to be ready for this tournament.

Carlos Alcaraz said during an on-court interview after his practice session

Alcaraz, in fact, will be seen in action on Tuesday (August 25). He and Williams will kick off their mixed doubles campaign against the pair of Lloyd Glasspool and Erin Routliffe.

Alcaraz also competed in mixed doubles last year alongside Emma Raducanu. They lost to Jack Draper and Jessica Pegula in the first round.

Greg Rusedski says he would be surprised if Carlos Alcaraz plays the US Open

Greg Rusedski can’t believe Carlos Alcaraz will be playing a best-of-five tournament without match practice. The former British No.1, in fact, is convinced the seven-time Grand Slam champion will play mixed doubles and withdraw from singles.

He says he’s back, and he gets to test it out with the likes of Sascha Zverev with practice sessions, Novak Djokovic, all these players, to feel it out, how the wrist sustains. He won’t be practicing in a manner for three out of five sets. So, this is so many question marks up in the air. I would be surprised still if he plays the US Open.

Greg Rusedski said on his Off Court with Greg podcast

Before the Barcelona Open, the Murcia native lost to Jannik Sinner in the Monte-Carlo Masters final, prior to which he won both the Australian Open and the Qatar Open titles by defeating Djokovic and Arthur Fils, respectively.

He hasn’t played a match in four months! I mean, that to me just seems insanity. I’m still questioning, is that wrist ready for three out of five sets? And I don’t think it’s the smartest thing. I hope I’m wrong because it’s great to have him back.

Greg Rusedski added

Alcaraz will be chasing his third US Open title. It was in New York back in 2022 that the former World No.1 lifted his career’s first Grand Slam title by defeating Casper Ruud.

On the women’s side, World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka will compete as the defending champion. She will also be playing mixed doubles with Djokovic.

Also read: Stan Wawrinka’s US Open Wild Card Snub Ahead of Retirement Sparks Wild Reactions – “Disgusting Decision”