Carlos Alcaraz is set to make his singles return at the US Open next week, marking his first match on court since mid-April as he recovers from a wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spaniard will face Roman Safiullin in the tournament’s opening round, ending a four-and-a-half-month absence that has left fans and commentators eager to see whether he can replicate his earlier impact on the sport.

Alcaraz’s rise came amid the waning career arcs of tennis legends Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, at a time when concerns over the men’s game have grown due to a lack of depth at the top and a series of injuries among leading players. His presence has been viewed by some as a revitalizing force in men’s tennis, with his dynamic style and engaging personality helping to draw in audiences. This was reflected in the higher viewership of recent Grand Slam finals featuring Alcaraz compared to those held in his absence, such as the French Open final between Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli, which recorded the lowest viewership for a Roland Garros men’s final in two decades.

Alcaraz has been sidelined with tenosynovitis, an inflammation of the protective fluid sacs around a joint, common as a repetitive strain injury in tennis. Due to the limited blood flow to the wrists, healing is prolonged, and rest remains the primary treatment. His rehabilitation process has been cautious, with progress updates shared through social media videos showing a gradual return to hitting, starting with left-handed practice at his training base in Murcia, then gentle right-handed strokes, and eventually simulated swings at balls mounted on poles before moving to full-impact shots by late July.

Experts note that wrist injuries have become increasingly prevalent in modern tennis, partly owing to changes in playing style. According to Kieron Vorster, a high-performance coach with experience working with professional players, the shift from classical “eastern” grips to more extreme “western” grips generates greater wrist speed and stress as players impart more spin through whipping motions. Additional factors such as a longer season and variations in balls used at different tournaments further complicate players’ physical demands.

Alcaraz’s recent appearance in mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams at the US Open provided some indications of his form, though serve speeds were reportedly below his usual peak levels. Analysts caution against drawing firm conclusions from mixed doubles performances, as top singles players often approach these matches more as exhibitions.

With fellow contender Jannik Sinner withdrawing due to a knee injury, Alcaraz’s prospects at the tournament may have gained renewed significance. Even if not at full capacity, he remains a strong candidate for capturing a record eighth Grand Slam title. The primary concern for Alcaraz and the wider tennis community, however, is whether his wrist will withstand the rigors of top-level competition as he seeks to maintain his influential role in the sport’s evolving landscape.