Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open title defence remains uncertain as the Spaniard continues his recovery from a right wrist injury. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has stepped up his training in Murcia, recently hitting with Holger Rune as he tests his wrist condition under greater intensity. However, Alcaraz has not played a competitive match since April, while his withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open has left him with little preparation time before the hard-court major begins in New York.
Carlos Alcaraz Injury Update
Carlos Alcaraz suffered the wrist problem during the Barcelona Open and has subsequently missed several major events, including Madrid, Rome, Roland Garros, Queen’s Club, Wimbledon, the Canadian Open and Cincinnati.
Recent training footage has sparked hopes. The 23-year-old has been seen hitting forehands, working on his serve and moving freely around the court without a protective cast. Reports also suggest that one of Alcaraz’s latest sessions was “very intense”, with his sensations improving as he increased the pace.
Despite those positive signs, Alcaraz’s camp has maintained a cautious approach. The Spaniard previously said, “I’d rather come back a little later and with a full recovery,” highlighting the priority of avoiding another setback.
Will Carlos Alcaraz Play US Open 2026?
Carlos Alcaraz is still hoping to defend his US Open crown, but his participation has not been confirmed. A final decision is expected in the coming days, leaving the Spaniard with a narrow window to determine whether his wrist is ready for the best-of-five-set tennis.
Former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski has questioned whether returning without a competitive match beforehand would be worthwhile. He argued that training cannot fully replicate the physical and mental demands of an actual match.
The US Open begins on August 30, making the next stage of Alcaraz’s rehabilitation crucial. His increased training intensity is encouraging, but the absence of competitive action since April is a major concern.
For now, no definitive comeback date has been announced. Alcaraz’s potential return will ultimately depend on how his wrist responds to demanding sessions rather than the tournament calendar. If the former Wimbledon champion cannot reach the required fitness level, postponing his comeback could be the safer option.
