Carlos Alcaraz Set to Return at US Open After Injury
Carlos Alcaraz will play the US Open, ending a four-month absence from competitive tennis caused by a right wrist injury.
- Alcaraz withdrew from the Barcelona Open in April when the injury began.
- The injury forced him to miss the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Cincinnati Open.
- 7 Grand Slam titles are held by the 23-year-old, who remains ranked No. 2 despite his absence.
- Alcaraz trained with Holger Rune in Murcia to test the wrist at higher intensity.
Why it matters: Alcaraz is the defending US Open champion, having beaten Jannik Sinner in last year's final. He also won the 2022 title at Flushing Meadows — his first Grand Slam.
- Earlier in 2026 he completed a career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open at age 22, the youngest man to win all four majors.
- $108 million total prize fund at this year's US Open is the highest ever offered in tennis, a 20% increase for the second consecutive year.
How 10 sources split on this story
Where they split: Coverage agrees on the facts; outlets differ on how much weight to give Alcaraz's readiness versus the uncertainty created by his limited match preparation.
Center coverage, 6 sources: The center treats Alcaraz's announcement as a straightforward sports news event, focusing on the timeline and his title-defense status.
USA Today3hCarlos Alcaraz announces return from injury for U.S. Open. 'Here we go'
Reuters3hAlcaraz confirma retorno ao Aberto dos EUA após quatro meses afastado por lesão
BBC News3hUS Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz to return in New York after four months out with wrist injury
Forbes2hDefending Champion Carlos Alcaraz Confirms Return To 2026 U.S. Open After Wrist Injury
Newsweek45mCarlos Alcaraz confirms tennis return after lengthy injury hiatusLeft coverage, 3 sources: The left emphasizes the broader tennis context — prize money records, player labor disputes under Project RedEye, and the new advisory council — alongside Alcaraz's return.
Right coverage, 1 sources: The right leads with the drama of the comeback, noting fan uncertainty during rehab and flagging Sinner's knee as a subplot that could reshape the tournament.
What’s next: Sinner, who faces a knee problem, may also be absent from the men's draw.
- A new Grand Slam player advisory council will launch after the US Open concludes.
- Whether Alcaraz's wrist can withstand a full Grand Slam run after no competitive matches in four months remains unknown.
- Whether Jannik Sinner will participate in the US Open given his knee issue has not been confirmed.