Andrea Petkovic Explains Why Calling Carlos Alcaraz Favorite for US Open After Injury Hiatus Was Premature

Many believed that Carlos Alcaraz would eventually be called the heavy favorite to win the US Open after winning the early-round matches. Former WTA World No.9 Andrea Petkovic thought it was premature to put the favorite tag on Alcaraz as he played the US Open after a four-month injury hiatus.

En route to his five-set defeat to Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals, Alcaraz dropped just one set against Jaime Faria in the second round. In the fourth round, he breezed past Tommy Paul, who, many thought, would give tough competition to the 23-year-old.

But it was eventual runner-up Shelton that sent shockwaves after four hours and 28 minutes, with the match also ending at 3:33 am local time. Alcaraz left the court with a smile and later said he was not disappointed, and in fact, he was “happy and proud” that he was able to produce such a high level of tennis after recovering from the injury.

Reacting to his exit, Petkovic, on The Reanne Stubbs Tennis Podcast, cited the example of Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion who suffered a career-threatening wrist injury which ultimately ended his career. He hung up his racket in 2024.

But to put that stress also on him, to declare him the favorite after the second round, the guy hasn’t played in five months. It’s his wrist, which is one of the most difficult injuries, as you know, one of the most difficult injuries to get past. Dominic Thiem’s career ended because of it.

Alcaraz injured his wrist during the Barcelona Open. He played his opening round match before withdrawing from the tournament. During his injury hiatus, the Spaniard skipped both the French Open and Wimbledon.

But to then, after the second round, against players who are not very highly ranked, be like, ‘Oh, of course, Carlos is winning it,’ I thought it was a little quick. I wish we, as the tennis world, would have given him a little more time and space to just find his way back. That’s all I can say.

Andrea Petkovic added

At the US Open, the seven-time Grand Slam champion was bidding to defend his title as well as win his second Grand Slam title of the season following the Australian Open victory, which made him the youngest man in the Open Era to complete the Career Grand Slam.

Sam Querrey called Carlos Alcaraz the best loser on the tour

Carlos Alcaraz lost, but he won hearts. It’s because he maintained an optimistic attitude despite losing the grueling five-setter. The way Alcaraz reacted in the aftermath of the defeat was called “so special” by Sam Querrey.

We’ve got to give… not that Alcaraz needs a shoutout. But like five and a half months off, came here, no one thought he would come here. Absolutely tears through three rounds. Is a warrior two nights ago against Ben, played four hours, 30 minutes. And he walked off the court, smile on his face, waved to the crowd, amazing Instagram posts, congratulating Ben. There’s not a better loser on the tour than Carlos Alcaraz. Truly.

Sam Querrey said on the Nothing Major podcast

The 23-year-old won two titles from three finals so far this season. Following his win in Melbourne, Alcaraz beat Arthur Fils in the Qatar Open final.

He also reached the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters, losing the match to Jannik Sinner. Because of his failed title defense, he lost his No.1 ranking to the five-time Grand Slam champion, whose position is now in danger as he has a 1,810-point lead over World No.2 Alexander Zverev.

Also read: Jessica Pegula Lauds Aryna Sabalenka for Playing ‘Insane’ Tennis After Getting ‘Mad’