Reigning Champ Carlos Alcaraz to End Tennis Hiatus at 2026 U.S. Open
Carlos Alcaraz to Return to Tennis at 2026 U.S. Open
Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz has announced his return to the sport after a four-month hiatus due to a right wrist injury. The reigning U.S. Open champion made the announcement on social media, stating that he will return to defend his title at the 2026 U.S. Open.
Alcaraz’s last appearance on the court was at the Barcelona Open, where he won in a straight set against Otto Virtanen in the Round of 32 on April 14. However, he withdrew from his next match due to the wrist injury sustained during the win over Virtanen.
The 2026 Australian Open winner has been absent from several tournaments, including the 2026 French Open and Wimbledon 2026. His absence has allowed other players to gain ground in the ATP Tour singles rankings, with Jannik Sinner of Italy taking the top spot.
Despite his hiatus, Alcaraz remains the No. 2 player in the ATP Tour singles rankings, with a strong chance of reclaiming the top spot upon his return. The singles draws for the 2026 U.S. Open will be held on August 27 in Flushing, New York, with main draw play commencing from August 30 to September 13 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
Alcaraz’s return to the sport has sparked excitement among fans and fellow players alike. His odds of winning the 2026 title are second-best, ahead of No. 3 Alexander Zverev of Germany, No. 6 Ben Shelton of the United States, and No. 5 Novak Djokovic of Serbia.
Top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus is the favorite to capture the women’s title, with a victory making her the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win three consecutive U.S. Open singles titles.
Alcaraz’s return to the sport marks a significant moment in the tennis world, with fans eagerly awaiting his comeback and the potential for a thrilling U.S. Open tournament.
In a statement, Alcaraz expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the sport, stating, ‘I’m excited to be back on the court and to have the opportunity to defend my title at the 2026 U.S. Open.’
The 2026 U.S. Open promises to be an exciting event, with top players vying for the top spot and fans eagerly anticipating Alcaraz’s return to the sport.