Former ATP Player Doubts Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open Chances After Long Injury Hiatus: “Don’t Think It Will Be Easy for Him”

Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed his participation at the US Open. The seven-time Grand Slam champion, who has been forced to stay on the sidelines since the Barcelona Open due to a wrist injury, will be bidding to defend his title in the New York Slam.

Last year in the US Open final, Alcaraz stopped his arch-rival Jannik Sinner from defending his title with a four-set win in the title clash. It was one of the four wins the Spaniard registered in their six clashes last year.

Many in the tennis world thought they would finally see Alcaraz and Sinner’s names in the same draw for the first time since the Monte-Carlo Masters. But to their utter disappointment, the Italian ace withdrew because he is nursing a knee injury.

On the clay court of Monte Carlo, Sinner emerged triumphant, also securing his second consecutive win over Alcaraz. Now that Sinner has pulled out of the US Open, Alcaraz will be one of the favorites to win, but perhaps not the heavy favorite, believes Nikolay Davydenko, the former player from Russia.

Exciting news in the world of tennis: Alcaraz will be playing at the US Open. What’s the most noticeable thing? He hadn’t played a single tournament before [the US Open]. And with a wrist injury, it certainly won’t be easy.

Nikolay Davydenko said (H/T: BB Tennis’ Telegram channel)

Alcaraz already has one Grand Slam title to his name. Earlier this season, he clinched his career’s first Australian Open title by defeating Novak Djokovic. The win made him the youngest man in the Open Era to reach the Career Grand Slam milestone.

Many of Alcaraz’s fans want to see him win, since Sinner is missing. I don’t think it will be easy for him. If he gets through the first rounds and, of course, manages to regain some form during the tournament, then yes, maybe he can show results. But it’s impossible to say 100% that he will win the US Open.

Nikolay Davydenko added

Alcaraz will also be playing mixed doubles in the tournament with none other than the legendary Serena Williams. Last year in the mixed doubles, Alcaraz paired up with Emma Raducanu, and they suffered an opening-round exit.

Greg Rusedski on Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open participation

Carlos Alcaraz will be entering the US Open without any match practice. His name was there on the entry list for the Cincinnati Open, but he ended up withdrawing from it. Reacting to Alcaraz’s US Open participation, former British No.1 Greg Rusedski said he would be shocked if the youngster competes in singles.

I would be shocked if he plays in the singles. He has lost early when he hasn’t played tournaments for a long time. It’s one thing to practice. It’s another thing to play an event.

Greg Rusedski said on the Off Court with Greg Podcast

Apart from the Australian Open, Alcaraz also clinched the Qatar Open by defeating Arthur Fils. Last year in the Majors, he lifted the French Open by beating Sinner, lost Wimbledon to the World No.1, before winning his second US Open title.

At present, the Cincinnati Masters is underway. Frances Tiafoe and Fils have reached the final after defeating Brandon Nakashima and Flavio Cobolli, respectively. Last year in Cincinnati, defending champion Sinner handed Alcaraz the walkover. The five-time Grand Slam champion withdrew from this year’s Cincinnati event.

Sinner was last seen in action in the final of Wimbledon. He defended his title by defeating reigning French Open champion Alexander Zverev, winning his sixth title of the season. Before his Wimbledon win, he lifted trophies in the first five Masters 1000s of the season.

Also read: Former British No.1 Makes Juan Carlos Ferrero Claim Ahead of Carlos Alcaraz’s Awaited US Open Comeback