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Alcaraz Returns at US Open After Wrist Injury

8/29/2026

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Summary

Alcaraz Returns

Carlos Alcaraz returns to singles at the U.S. Open after a four-month wrist injury.
He is the defending champion and second seed, opening against Roman Safiullin (world No. 98).
Alcaraz says he feels great and kept his technique unchanged.
He says intrusive thoughts about returning were the hardest part.
He will trust his team, play at 100 percent, and avoid fear of re-injury.

Summary

Wawrinka Wildcard

Jack Draper, Holger Rune and João Fonseca are sidelined by injuries entering the US Open.
Stan Wawrinka received a wildcard for his final Grand Slam appearance before retirement.
Arthur Fils arrives as the Cincinnati Open champion, making him a dark-horse contender.
Ben Shelton entered the US Open after defending his Canadian hard-court title, adding depth to the American field.

History

Historical Context

Del Potro’s 2009 US Open triumph, following his Auckland title and a lengthy wrist recovery, marked a rare comeback that reshaped expectations for injured players. In 2024, Alcaraz’s return from a wrist setback and the withdrawals of Draper, Rune and Fonseca echo that pattern, prompting the USTA to broaden health monitoring across the tour.

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Alcaraz Returns

Carlos Alcaraz returns to singles at the U.S. Open after a four-month wrist injury.
He is the defending champion and second seed, opening against Roman Safiullin (world No. 98).
Alcaraz says he feels great and kept his technique unchanged.
He says intrusive thoughts about returning were the hardest part.
He will trust his team, play at 100 percent, and avoid fear of re-injury.

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