Alcaraz Overcomes 'Intrusive Thoughts' Ahead of US Open Return After Injury

Carlos Alcaraz is set to resume singles competition at the US Open after a five‑month absence caused by a wrist injury, but the Spaniard admits the uncertainty of his return created “intrusive thoughts” that were the hardest part of his rehabilitation.

The 23‑year‑old, who last played a singles match at the Barcelona Open on 13 April, will open his title defence against Russian Roman Safiullin in the first round. The match will test Alcaraz’s lack of competitive action, but the defending champion says he feels “great” as he prepares for the tournament that begins on Sunday in New York.

Alcaraz, who defeated Jannik Sinner in last year’s final, revealed that the period of not knowing whether he would be fit for Cincinnati, the US Open or the rest of the American swing was “really difficult to deal with.” He added that those intrusive thoughts were the most challenging element of the recovery process.

The Spaniard made his first appearance on a match court at the US Open earlier this week, partnering 23‑time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams in the mixed‑doubles event. He continues to wear a compression sleeve on his playing arm to protect his wrist, which has been diagnosed as tenosynovitis – an inflammation of the tendon sheath in the wrist.

Alcaraz’s powerful forehand generates significant load on the joint of his playing wrist, making the injury particularly problematic. He said he is mentally ready to compete in five‑set matches at the highest level, despite the limited preparation time. “It’s really challenging. Probably, you know, in terms of preparation and everything, it is not the best time,” he said. “But we, my team and me, believe that I'm ready.”

He added, “I've got to trust my team, I've got to trust my people that tell me it's going to be fine. I just have to go 100%, and right now I think with the practices I have done so far, it's been all good. I'm trying to stay away from any fear and I'm playing normal.”

Alcaraz entered the tournament as the second seed, a ranking that reflects his recent form and past success at the event, where he won titles in 2022 and 2025. His return comes after a period of careful management of the injury, during which he was limited to light training and avoided any high‑intensity matches.

Wrist injuries are notoriously difficult for tennis players to recover from, as the small joint must withstand repeated forehand swings and serve motions. The risk of re‑injury often forces players to take a cautious approach, balancing the desire to compete with the need to protect the wrist.

As the US Open opens, Alcaraz will face the challenge of translating his limited match play into competitive performance. His team has emphasized a focus on gradual build‑up of intensity and mental resilience, while the player himself stresses confidence in his preparation and the support of his coaching staff.

The Spaniard’s comeback will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, who will be keen to see whether his power and precision can return to the level that made him a dominant force on the ATP Tour. The outcome of his opening match against Safiullin will offer the first real test of his readiness after a long lay‑off. Alcaraz’s journey back to the top of the sport underscores the psychological toll that injuries can take, even as physical recovery progresses.