Carlos Alcaraz announced on August 20 that he will return to competitive tennis at the 2026 US Open, ending a four-month absence caused by a right wrist injury [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]. The 20-year-old Spaniard last played on April 14, withdrawing from the Barcelona Open because of wrist problems [1, 7].

Alcaraz missed the 2026 French Open, Wimbledon, and key North American hardcourt events including the Toronto and Cincinnati Masters during his recovery [2, 3, 5, 6, 7]. Although he initially planned to make his comeback at the Cincinnati Open, he pulled out to allow more healing time for his wrist [1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7].

In recent weeks, he has gradually stepped up training intensity and practiced in Murcia with Danish player Holger Rune [1, 2, 3, 5, 7]. Alcaraz, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, completed the career Grand Slam by winning the 2026 Australian Open in January as the youngest man ever to do so [1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8]. He is also the defending US Open champion, having defeated Jannik Sinner in last year's final in New York—where he won his first Slam title in 2022 [1, 8].

Alcaraz’s world ranking has fluctuated during his injury layoff. He is currently ranked No. 2 after briefly losing the spot to Alexander Zverev following Wimbledon [1, 6, 7]. His main rival, current world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, recently withdrew from Cincinnati due to a knee injury and will enter the US Open without recent hardcourt match play [1, 7, 8].

The 2026 US Open runs from August 30 to September 13 in New York, with a record total prize fund of $108 million—a 20% increase—and $5.5 million awarded to each singles champion [4, 8]. Football transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano shared the news of Alcaraz’s return on social media, writing "Here we go! Carlos Alcaraz will return to the tour at the US Open after spending four months sidelined with a right wrist injury. Ready to come back." [4]. Alcaraz himself posted "Here we go" and "I’m back" reflecting his eagerness to return to action [1, 7].

Jannik Sinner expressed hope for Alcaraz’s comeback, saying, "We hope that Carlos is coming back ... because tennis needs him." [7]

Alcaraz will begin his US Open campaign when the tournament starts Monday, August 30, marking his first competitive event since April.