Can Alcaraz defend the US Open after four months without a match?
On 20 August 2026, Carlos Alcaraz confirmed that he was set to return at the US Open following a four-month wrist-injury absence.
The defending champion had not played competitively since 14 April, when he injured his right wrist at the Barcelona Open.[6] The seven-time major champion missed both the French Open and Wimbledon but remained ranked No. 2 during his absence.[3]
The defending champion had not played competitively since 14 April, when he injured his right wrist at the Barcelona Open.[6] The seven-time major champion missed both the French Open and Wimbledon but remained ranked No. 2 during his absence.[3]
Why it matters: Alcaraz is attempting to defend a major title without competitive preparation since April, making his physical response and match sharpness central variables in New York.[3][6]
Key insights: The wrist problem removed Alcaraz from most of the clay-court swing and the entire grass season.[3][6] | His return is scheduled for the final Grand Slam tournament of the year rather than a lower-stakes tune-up event.[3][6] | Alcaraz could seek early match exposure in the mixed doubles competition, for which three wildcards remained available.[6]
Cheatsheet facts: What changed: Alcaraz declared himself ready to return and defend his US Open title after four months out.[3][6] | Why now: The US Open singles event begins on 30 August, leaving New York as his next major competitive opportunity.[6] | Watch next: Whether Alcaraz enters mixed doubles and then takes the court in the singles event will provide observable tests of his readiness.[6]
The defending champion had not played competitively since 14 April, when he injured his right wrist at the Barcelona Open.[6] The seven-time major champion missed both the French Open and Wimbledon but remained ranked No. 2 during his absence.[3]
Why it matters: Alcaraz is attempting to defend a major title without competitive preparation since April, making his physical response and match sharpness central variables in New York.[3][6]
Key insights: The wrist problem removed Alcaraz from most of the clay-court swing and the entire grass season.[3][6] | His return is scheduled for the final Grand Slam tournament of the year rather than a lower-stakes tune-up event.[3][6] | Alcaraz could seek early match exposure in the mixed doubles competition, for which three wildcards remained available.[6]
Cheatsheet facts: What changed: Alcaraz declared himself ready to return and defend his US Open title after four months out.[3][6] | Why now: The US Open singles event begins on 30 August, leaving New York as his next major competitive opportunity.[6] | Watch next: Whether Alcaraz enters mixed doubles and then takes the court in the singles event will provide observable tests of his readiness.[6]