Carlos Alcaraz returns to U.S. Open action after injury layoff

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has officially returned to competitive tennis at the 2026 U.S. Open following a nearly five-month absence. The 23-year-old Spaniard, who previously won the Australian Open this year to complete a career Grand Slam, had been sidelined since April due to a wrist injury that forced him to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon. Before the tournament, he tested his readiness by participating in mixed doubles with Serena Williams, reaching the quarter-finals.

Alcaraz is set to face Russian player Roman Safiullin in the first round of the U.S. Open. While Safiullin holds a victory over the Spaniard from their only previous hard-court meeting in 2023, Alcaraz successfully defeated him on clay at the Paris Olympics. The world number three has stated he is focusing on the process rather than specific results as he seeks his third U.S. Open title. Coach Patrick Mouratoglou noted that Alcaraz's presence is highly anticipated, as his return fills a competitive gap that was notably felt during the recent Grand Slam tournaments.