A Long Road Back for Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz arrives at the US Open carrying significant uncertainty after a wrist injury sustained at the Barcelona Open in April kept him off the tour for roughly four months. His return to competitive play came in the US Open mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams, but that appearance raised more concerns than it answered. His serve in particular looked noticeably diminished compared to his usual standard, leaving fans and analysts wondering just how close he is to full fitness.
To sharpen his game before the singles main draw, Alcaraz has been putting in work on the practice courts in New York. He joined sessions with Cincinnati Open champion Arthur Fils, among others, to build rhythm and confidence heading into the tournament.
Merida's Candid Take from the Practice Court
Daniel Merida, the rising Spanish player who stepped in to replace Alcaraz in the Davis Cup squad, was Alcaraz's first hitting partner at Flushing Meadows. Speaking to the Spanish outlet MARCA, Merida offered a balanced and honest assessment. He noted that Alcaraz is playing well but acknowledged that four months away from competition leaves a visible mark. Once Alcaraz regains his match rhythm and moves past any lingering mental hesitation around his wrist, Merida believes the world will see him performing at the elite level everyone is accustomed to.
Merida himself has had a strong stretch recently, winning an ATP 250 title in Umag on clay and reaching the quarterfinals of the Canadian Open, where he defeated Tallon Griekspoor, Alex Michelsen, and Ugo Humbert. His career-high ranking of world No. 40 confirms he has earned his place on the practice court alongside the sport's biggest names.
TennisDraw users have been closely watching Alcaraz's draw position and fitness updates when locking in their bracket picks for the US Open.
