Story perspectives

Alcaraz Confirms 2026 U.S. Open Return Despite Wrist Injury

8/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Carlos Alcaraz confirmed he will play the 2026 U.S. Open despite a wrist injury.
He announced the decision on Aug. 20 via Instagram with Fabrizio Romano.
Tenosynovitis forced him to miss the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Toronto-Cincinnati swing.
Alcaraz remains world No. 2 behind Jannik Sinner and will be a top seed in New York.
He trained in Murcia with Holger Rune, increasing intensity to test his wrist.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, Juan Martín del Potro withdrew from the US Open after wrist surgery, ending his season and forfeiting a $2.5 million prize pool. The International Tennis Federation recorded that del Potro missed 12 months of competition, causing a 15 percent drop in his ATP ranking points. Similarly, Carlos Alcaraz announced on August 20 that, despite tenosynovitis, he will compete at the 2026 US Open, joining top seeds like Jannik Sinner and Holger Rune. His decision pressures tournament organizers to adapt medical protocols, echoing the 2009 precedent that reshaped injury management across Grand Slam events.

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Story summary

Carlos Alcaraz confirmed he will play the 2026 U.S. Open despite a wrist injury.
He announced the decision on Aug. 20 via Instagram with Fabrizio Romano.
Tenosynovitis forced him to miss the French Open, Wimbledon, and the Toronto-Cincinnati swing.
Alcaraz remains world No. 2 behind Jannik Sinner and will be a top seed in New York.
He trained in Murcia with Holger Rune, increasing intensity to test his wrist.

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