Carlos Alcaraz reveals why returning at US Open was 'not an easy decision'

The Spanish star announced last week that he would return from more than four months on the sidelines with a right wrist injury at the New York major.

Alcaraz missed both Roland Garros and Wimbledon after suffering the injury during his most recent match at the Barcelona Open in April.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion took to the court at Flushing Meadows for the first time this year on Sunday, practising in front of a large crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Following the session, Alcaraz gave a brief interview and spoke of his delight at being back on court.

"After a couple of months recovering from my injury, I miss everything. I miss this place, I miss the crowd, I miss the ball kids," said the 23-year-old.

"I think I couldn't have started at a better place than here, so I feel very grateful. I'm just happy."

The world No 3 also admitted that it was not an easy choice to play the US Open.

"Yeah, I mean, it is a very special tournament for me. It's a Grand Slam, best of five.

"So yeah, as I said, after more than four months, coming back at a Grand Slam wasn't an easy decision, but I just tried to put everything to be ready for this tournament."

Alcaraz is the reigning US Open champion, having beaten Jannik Sinner in the 2025 final to capture his second title at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

The former world No 1 will partner 23-time major champion Serena Williams in the US Open mixed doubles event, which will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The men's singles tournament at Flushing Meadows will be staged from Sunday 30 August to Sunday 13 September.

Alcaraz secured his most recent major title at the 2026 Australian Open - a victory which saw him become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam in tennis history.

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