Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is slated to compete in the upcoming US Open, returning to the court after a four-month hiatus caused by a wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spaniard has not participated in a competitive match since April 14, when he sustained the injury at the Barcelona Open.
The news of Alcaraz's return was confirmed through a joint Instagram post featuring the tennis player and football influencer Fabrizio Romano. Alcaraz himself posted on X, formerly Twitter, with the phrase "here we go!" accompanied by an American flag emoji and a plane emoji.
Alcaraz, who became the youngest man to win all four Grand Slam titles after his victory at the Australian Open in January, may also enter the mixed doubles competition. Three wildcards for this event, which takes place the week before the US Open singles, are still available. Last year, Alcaraz participated in the mixed doubles alongside Emma Raducanu, who will miss this year's tournament due to injury.
Due to his inability to defend his Cincinnati Open title, Alcaraz has been replaced as the world number two by Alexander Zverev. Jannik Sinner remains at the top of the world rankings, having won Wimbledon in July. Zverev won the French Open and was the runner-up at Wimbledon.
Sinner has also withdrawn from the Cincinnati tournament due to a knee injury and will enter the US Open without recent hard court match experience, similar to his situation at Wimbledon.
The US Open singles event is scheduled to commence on Sunday, August 30, in New York.