Key takeaways
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Injury: Carlos Alcaraz has been sidelined since April with a wrist problem
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Doubts: Greg Rusedski believes a Grand Slam return is too risky without match practice
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Opinions: Andy Roddick and Emilio Sanchez also shared caution and optimism
Rusedski raises concerns
Carlos Alcaraz has not played since injuring his right wrist at the Barcelona Open in April, missing Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and recent hardcourt events. Former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski expressed doubts about a US Open comeback. “I think it’s a big risk. You’ve got to come out of a two-out-of-three-set match to start because it’s one thing to practice, it’s another thing to play a match,” he said on his podcast. He added, “The adrenaline in the body, going hell for leather, you always go up with your tennis about an extra five, ten per cent from what you do in practice. I would be shocked if he plays the US Open.”
Other voices of caution
Andy Roddick also questioned the idea of returning at a Grand Slam, noting that a first-round match could last four or five hours. “It would be difficult for Alcaraz to make his first tournament back a Grand Slam,” Roddick commented, suggesting a warm-up event was essential. Emilio Sanchez offered a more hopeful view, saying Alcaraz had been training at “55%” and could still surprise if his fitness improves.
The current situation
Alcaraz has been practicing in Murcia with compression support on his right arm, but the leap from training to best-of-five tennis remains significant. Fans are eager to see him back, though many emphasize that returning pain-free should be considered progress.
The US Open begins on August 30, with Winston-Salem as the last possible event for Alcaraz to gain match practice. After missing Roland Garros and Wimbledon, the temptation to defend his title will be strong, but the priority remains full recovery before competing at the highest level.
Carlos Alcaraz in 2026
Currently ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 14th of April when he overcame world no.116 Otto Virtanen 6-4 6-2 in the 1st round in Barcelona (draw).
Presently, during this year Carlos owns a 22-3 match record. Alcaraz clinched 2 titles in 2026 at the Australian Open and Doha.
