Men’s tennis has sorely missed Carlos Alcaraz this year, as he has been sidelined with a wrist injury since April. World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has remained a force, becoming the reigning back-to-back Wimbledon champion in July, but it just doesn’t hit the same without Alcaraz, his on-court rival.
Luckily, World No. 2 Alcaraz is ready in time for the U.S. Open.
On Thursday, Alcaraz confirmed that he will defend his U.S. Open title by way of a joint Instagram post with Fabrizio Romano.
“HERE WE GO! Carlos Alcaraz will return to the tour at the US Open after spending four months sidelined with a right wrist injury,” the post reads. “Read to come back [tennis ball emoji, fist bump emoji].”
“Here we go!” Alcaraz commented alongside a salute emoji. Serena Williams also commented, “Ohhhhh ok. I like seeing this.”
Alcaraz, 23, won the Australian Open to start the year and played five other tournaments before his wrist forced him to stop playing. He lost to Sinner in the ATP Masters 1000 Monte-Carlo before having to withdraw from the Barcelona Open on April 15.
Alcaraz is a seven Grand Slam singles champion, including two U.S. Open titles. After qualifying rounds, the 2026 U.S. Open is scheduled to officially begin next Monday, Aug. 24. The singles draw will be revealed next Thursday, Aug. 27, and singles play will start on Aug. 30, as laid out by USA Today.