Carlos Alcaraz is preparing for his competitive return at the US Open, stepping back onto a Grand Slam stage after enduring a 138-day absence due to a wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spanish star, who holds seven Grand Slam titles, enters the tournament in New York City with high expectations surrounding his fitness and form following the longest injury layoff of his professional career.
Andre Agassi Assesses Alcaraz’s Place Among the Greats
According to comments featured in the Amazon Prime documentary Novak Djokovic: El Lobo de Invierno, directed by Jason Hehir, eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi offered high praise for the Spaniard’s playing style. “Djokovic, Federer and Nadal played this sport in very ways and they were all great in their own way. And now there are players, specifically Alcaraz, who plays like Djokovic, Federer and Nadal when he wants to. The game gets better,” Agassi stated in the film. Agassi previously remarked that the Spanish player moves across the court with exceptional agility and carries the qualities of the historic trio.
The Road to New York and the US Open Draw
Alcaraz missed significant portions of the ATP Tour calendar, including the Conde de Godó, Mutua Madrid Open, Rome, Roland Garros, Queen’s, and Wimbledon, alongside Masters 1000 events in Canada and Cincinnati. To rebuild his competitive rhythm, Alcaraz spent recent weeks training in Murcia with Denmark’s Holger Rune, who is also returning from an Achilles tendon injury.
The tournament landscape shifted significantly when men’s world number one Jannik Sinner announced on August 22 that a right knee injury would force him to withdraw from the US Open. Sinner has not competed since reaching the Wimbledon final on July 12. Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev also head into the tournament facing questions regarding recent form and fitness concerns.
Doubles Partnership with Serena Williams
Former US Open champion Andy Roddick suggested that Alcaraz enter the mixed doubles draw to reacclimate to match conditions before playing singles. Tournament organizers confirmed that Alcaraz will receive a wildcard entry to compete in mixed doubles alongside five-time tournament champion Serena Williams. The pairing brings together two competitors with a combined 46 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles disciplines.
Tournament Outlook and Next Steps
Alcaraz’s immediate objective at Flushing Meadows is to regain competitive rhythm during the opening rounds before assessing his prospects of contending for his eighth Grand Slam title.
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