Carlos Alcaraz resumes training, offers positive injury update ahead of US Open

Carlos Alcaraz has offered fans fresh hope of a return in time for the US Open after stepping up his recovery from the wrist injury that has kept him out of action for nearly three months. The Spaniard recently shared videos of himself back on the practice court in Murcia, fuelling speculation that his long-awaited comeback could be just around the corner.

In the videos, Alcaraz was seen training with his team and hitting freely as part of his rehabilitation programme. The footage, captioned “on the right track”, provided the clearest indication yet that the 23-year-old is edging closer to a return, even as he confirmed his withdrawal from the Canadian Open in Montreal.

Alcaraz has not played since sustaining the injury during the Barcelona Open in April, a setback that forced him to miss several major tournaments, including Madrid, Rome, the French Open and Wimbledon. Initially hopeful of making it back for Roland Garros, the Spaniard was ultimately advised against rushing his recovery.

Reports in Spain suggest that Alcaraz is targeting a return during the North American hard-court swing, with the Cincinnati Open and the US Open emerging as the most likely comeback events. However, his camp has remained cautious, preferring a gradual recovery process over an early return.

RACE AGAINST TIME FOR NEW YORK

The injury could hardly have come at a worse moment for Alcaraz, who had enjoyed a sensational start to the season. The Spaniard lifted his maiden Australian Open title in January and built a 22-3 record before his campaign was abruptly halted.

Speaking after pulling out of the Madrid Open, Alcaraz admitted that the enforced break had been difficult to accept but insisted that he was determined to return stronger.

“This happens for professional sportsmen. At the end of the day, you just have to stand up and try to be stronger than ever, and hopefully I’ll be able to be on the field very soon,” he said.

His prolonged absence has left a significant void on the ATP Tour, with the former world No.1 missing both the clay-court and grass-court seasons. Tennis great Rafael Nadal, who endured multiple wrist injuries during his own career, has urged patience and downplayed concerns over the long-term impact of Alcaraz’s setback.

For now, the focus remains firmly on New York. While there is still no official timeline for his comeback, Alcaraz’s return to training has reignited hopes that fans could see him back on court before the final Grand Slam of the year.

With just weeks to go before the US Open gets underway, the signs from Murcia suggest that one of tennis’s brightest stars may finally be nearing the end of his frustrating spell on the sidelines.

– Ends