![Jannik Sinner. [KENA BETANCUR / AFP]](/cdn-cgi/image/onerror=redirect,width=640,height=640,format=webp/https://storage.googleapis.com/uploads.mongoosehq.com/url/media/168833325/9399679e63623e5ce0e1498c1eecc4d642f8d850b33997f86a9f5d5b0b7001ca)
Overview
- Carlos Alcaraz said “I’m back” on Thursday, August 20, in a short Instagram post that confirmed he will play the US Open starting August 30.
- The 23-year-old has been sidelined since mid-April after feeling right-wrist pain at the ATP 500 in Barcelona and withdrew from Madrid, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and U.S. hard-court lead-up events while he recovered.
- Jannik Sinner withdrew from the US Open on Friday, August 21, which raises expectations that Alcaraz will be a top favorite despite uncertainty about his match fitness.
- Alcaraz used a playful social-media exchange with journalist Fabrizio Romano to make the announcement, a sign of how elite players shape comeback narratives today.
- Wrist injuries directly affect a player’s ability to hit forehands and serve with power, so tournament doctors and Alcaraz’s team will be watched closely for any signs that his recovery affects his readiness to defend the title.