Carlos Alcaraz says he feels fully fit as he prepares to defend his US Open title. But the Spaniard admits he still has some fear after spending four months away from singles tennis.
The 23 year old has not played a singles match since April 16 because of a right wrist injury. He believes recent practice sessions have helped him regain confidence.
“I need to come here to practice with these guys to feel the competition once again, and this is really testing,” Alcaraz said on Saturday.
He said his wrist now feels good and believes much of his remaining concern is mental.
“I’m feeling great and that helped me a lot to know right now that it’s all in my head,” he said.
Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam after winning the Australian Open in January.
However, his season was interrupted by injury soon after. He pulled out of the Barcelona Open with a wrist problem. He then missed both the French Open and Wimbledon.
Alcaraz made a brief return to court this week in the US Open mixed doubles. He partnered Serena Williams in New York.
The pair won their opening match before losing in the second round to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli.
Alcaraz showed some of his quality during those matches but also looked short of his best at times.
He said his team has no doubts about his fitness. Now he must trust them and play without worrying about another injury.
“I gotta trust my people that tell me that it’s gonna be fine. So I just have to go 100 percent,” Alcaraz said.
The defending champion will begin his singles campaign against Russian veteran Roman Safiullin.
His path could become much harder later in the tournament. Tommy Paul or Alexander Bublik could await in the fourth round. Ben Shelton or Arthur Fils could then be possible quarterfinal opponents.
Alcaraz would normally enter New York as one of the clear favourites. His long absence has created some doubts this time.
World number two Alexander Zverev still expects him to challenge for the title.
Zverev believes Alcaraz could look rusty during his first couple of matches. But he expects the Spaniard to become a serious contender if he gets through the early rounds.
American Taylor Fritz also believes returning at a Grand Slam will be difficult.
Men’s matches can last five sets, which makes the physical challenge greater. However, Fritz believes Alcaraz could quickly regain his form if he survives the opening rounds.
Alcaraz’s return comes in a season where his rivalry with Jannik Sinner has been interrupted by injuries.
The pair dominated Grand Slam tennis in 2025. Alcaraz and Sinner won two major titles each and met in three Grand Slam finals.
They will not meet at the US Open this year. World number one Sinner withdrew because of a knee injury.
Alcaraz admitted it feels strange to spend such a long period without facing his biggest rival.
“We are not gonna see each other for, like, six months now, seven months. So it’s kind of weird situation, to be honest,” he said.
Alcaraz also wished Sinner well in his recovery and hopes to see him back at his best.
The four month break was not easy for Alcaraz either. The early part was particularly difficult because he could not properly use his injured arm.
But the Spaniard also found positives during his time away from tennis.
He spent more time at home with his family and friends.
Alcaraz also travelled to New York in July to watch Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final.
He described watching his country win its second World Cup as a “lifetime experience.”
Now Alcaraz is back in New York for a very different challenge.
His wrist feels ready. The bigger test will be overcoming his doubts and finding his best tennis again as he tries to defend his US Open crown.
