Tennis fans finally have a reason to smile today. Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune were spotted training together in Murcia, Spain, sparking hope for their returns to the ATP circuit. After severe injuries derailed both of their seasons, this joint practice session is a positive step as the tennis world turns its attention toward the upcoming US Open, as they both have skipped the Cincinnati Open 2026.
Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune Train Together In Murcia
Both young stars were seen trading groundstrokes with intensity. For Alcaraz, his serve appears to be getting closer and closer to its full power. Notably, the Spaniard was striking the ball without a protective cast on his wrist, which is a fantastic indicator that his rehabilitation is finally moving in the right direction.
Alcaraz training today with Holger Rune in Murcia 🎾🇪🇸
The serve seems to be getting closer and closer to its full power 👀
🎥 @ALVAR0SANCHEZ pic.twitter.com/tx7wdyjAuS
— Alcaraz Updates🐝 (@alcarazzupdates) August 17, 2026
Alcaraz has been battling a stubborn right wrist injury since the Barcelona Open in April. The setback already forced the 23-year-old to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon. Although he is back on the practice courts, his team ultimately decided he was not match-fit enough for the highest level of competition, forcing him to skip the Cincinnati Open, a tournament he won last year.
Tres horas de entrenamiento bajo el intenso calor de Murcia. Buena prueba para Carlos Alcaraz con Holger Rune.
¡Qué ganas de volver a verlos compitiendo en una pista de tenis! pic.twitter.com/WPGvrc364w
— Germán R. Abril (@gerebit0) August 17, 2026
While Alcaraz has missed the spring and summer, Rune has endured a much longer absence. The Danish standout suffered a left Achilles tendon rupture back in October 2025 during a tournament in Stockholm. Being back on the court and moving well enough to practise with a top-tier player like Alcaraz is a big milestone in his lengthy recovery.
Mañana de entrenos en Murcia con Holger Rune y Carlos Alcaraz.
Los dos apuran sus opciones para llegar al US Open. Lo tiene más difícil el danés, que todavía no ha querido decir que no va para intentarlo hasta el último momento.
Semana clave para Carlitos. En los próximos días… https://t.co/8OMzDlObJd
— José Morón (@jmgmoron) August 17, 2026
Will they play in the upcoming US Open?
Both players currently remain on the official entry list for the 2026 US Open, which kicks off on August 30. However, heading into Flushing Meadows without a single competitive tune-up match on hard courts is a huge risk. While today’s training session in Murcia is a hopeful sign, their physical readiness to survive five-set Grand Slam matches remains a major question mark.
