Carlos Alcaraz is set to defend his US Open title despite a four-month hiatus from competitive tennis due to a right wrist injury. The Spanish player, who has not played a singles match since withdrawing from the Barcelona Open in mid-April, missed both the French Open and Wimbledon because of the injury. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence and readiness as the tournament began in New York.

Speaking at a pre-tournament media event, Alcaraz said he feels fully recovered and "100 percent" prepared after extensive practice sessions. He emphasized the importance of mental fortitude in overcoming the layoff and acknowledged some anxiety but insisted he would not hold back in the tournament. “I just have to go 100 percent,” he said, adding that he trusted his coaching and support team’s assessment that he is ready to compete at the highest level.

Alcaraz, who at 23 is the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam after winning the Australian Open earlier this year, partnered with Serena Williams in the mixed doubles event as part of his preparation. The pair won their opening match but were eliminated in the second round. Observers noted flashes of Alcaraz’s trademark skill during the mixed doubles, though his serve appeared less potent than usual, likely a result of rust from his time away from competition.

The injury has cast some uncertainty over Alcaraz’s prospects in the men’s singles draw, where he is seeded second following the withdrawal of world number one Jannik Sinner due to a knee problem. Sinner’s absence also means the much-anticipated rivalry between the two 2025 major champions will be on pause for several months. Alcaraz expressed his well wishes for Sinner’s recovery, calling the extended break without their head-to-head encounters “a kind of weird situation.”

Fellow players voiced cautious optimism about Alcaraz’s chances. Alexander Zverev, the top seed, predicted some initial rust but expected Alcaraz to become a serious contender if he advanced past the early rounds. American ninth seed Taylor Fritz also highlighted the challenges of returning from injury at a Grand Slam, particularly in best-of-five set matches, but did not rule out Alcaraz finding form as the tournament progresses.

Alcaraz intends to maintain his playing style without alteration, dismissing speculation that he might modify his technique to avoid aggravating the wrist. “I have been doing the same things,” he said, underscoring his desire to remain true to his game. His first-round opponent is Russian veteran Roman Safiullin, ranked 98th in the world.

Outside the court, Alcaraz experienced a notable moment during his recovery period by carrying the World Cup trophy onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium as Spain secured victory over Argentina. The event remains a memorable highlight amid his rehabilitation from injury.

As the US Open unfolds, all eyes will be on whether Alcaraz can regain his dominant form and successfully defend his title after an extended absence from competition.