Carlos Alcaraz Confirms US Open Return After Missing Two Grand Slams

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz will defend his US Open title following a right wrist injury that sidelined him since April.

Carlos Alcaraz announced his return to competitive tennis on Thursday, confirming he will defend his US Open title in New York. The world No. 2 has been out of action since April 2026 due to a right wrist injury. Before the ailment forced his withdrawal from the Barcelona Open following a first-round victory, Alcaraz had secured a 22-3 record to start the season. This run included a title at the Australian Open and a trophy in his subsequent tournament appearance.

Alcaraz missed both the French Open and Wimbledon during his recovery period. The seven-time Grand Slam champion last competed in New York during the 2025 final, where he defeated Jannik Sinner to claim his second US Open crown. His history at the tournament dates back to 2022, when he secured his first major title at age 19, becoming the youngest man to reach the No. 1 spot in the ATP rankings.

Wrist Recovery and Tournament Withdrawals

The Spanish star posted "Here we go" on social media, accompanied by a photograph of himself in front of the official US Open logo. While Alcaraz had been seen on practice courts during the hard-court swing, he ultimately withdrew from the Cincinnati Open prior to this announcement. His absence from the tour has lasted approximately four months, yet he maintains his position as the second-ranked player in the world.

His return coincides with fitness concerns for his primary rival, Jannik Sinner. The top-ranked Sinner has not played since winning the Wimbledon title earlier this summer. Sinner recently pulled out of the Cincinnati tournament, citing a right knee injury, and stated his intention to focus on being physically prepared for the final Grand Slam of the calendar year.

Rivalry Renewed in New York

The 2025 season saw Alcaraz and Sinner dominate the major circuit, meeting in the finals of both the French Open and Wimbledon. While fans expected a third consecutive major final matchup in New York last year, the current injury status of both players adds new variables to the 2026 draw. Sinner and Alcaraz currently hold the top two spots in the global rankings despite their recent stints on the sidelines.

Alcaraz enters the tournament seeking to replicate the form that led to his 22-3 start this year. His victory over Sinner in the previous US Open final remains a focal point of their head-to-head history. The tournament in New York serves as his first competitive appearance since the early spring clay-court season in Barcelona.

Statistical Milestones and Rankings

At 19 years old, Alcaraz made history at this venue by becoming the youngest ATP No. 1 in history following his 2022 triumph. He now arrives with seven total Grand Slam titles to his name. Despite missing two of the four major championships this year, his early-season success at the Australian Open provided enough points to keep him at No. 2. The upcoming event marks the first time since April that the reigning champion will be active in a professional draw.

Sinner’s withdrawal from Cincinnati and Alcaraz’s recovery from the right wrist issue mean both top seeds will enter the US Open without recent match play on hard courts. The Associated Press reported the news on August 20, 2026, at 01:59 PM ET, noting that the intrigue for this year's tournament is heightened by the return of these two specific competitors following their respective knee and wrist ailments.