Alcaraz to play US Open after four months out

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is set to return to the US Open after a four‑month absence caused by a wrist injury. The 23‑year‑old Spaniard captured the Australian Open in January, becoming the youngest man to hold all four Grand Slam titles. He has not competed since 14 April, when he aggravated his right wrist at the Barcelona Open. The update was shared by soccer influencer Fabrizio Romano in a joint Instagram post with Alcaraz. Alcaraz also echoed Romano’s catchphrase on X, writing “here we go!” alongside an American‑flag emoji and a plane symbol. In addition to the singles draw, Alcaraz may enter the mixed doubles event that precedes the US Open; three wildcards remain to be allocated. He partnered Emma Raducanu in last year’s revamped doubles, though Raducanu will miss this year’s tournament due to injury. Alcaraz’s absence has seen Alexander Zverev rise to world No. 2, after Alcaraz was unable to defend his Cincinnati Open crown. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner leads the ATP rankings following his Wimbledon victory in July, while Zverev claimed the French Open and finished runner‑up at Wimbledon. Sinner, like at Wimbledon, will arrive at Flushing Meadows without recent hard‑court practice after withdrawing from Cincinnati with a knee issue. The US Open singles competition commences on Sunday, 30 August in New York.