Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 21: Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz will return to competitive tennis at the US Open later this month after spending nearly four months on the sidelines with a right wrist injury.

The 23-year-old Spaniard confirmed his participation on Thursday, ending uncertainty over his availability for the hard-court Grand Slam. Alcaraz has not played a competitive match since withdrawing from the Barcelona Open in April and subsequently missed the French Open and Wimbledon.

Alcaraz made the announcement on social media with the help of football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, using Romano’s popular “Here we go” phrase to confirm his comeback.

The Spaniard currently occupies the world No 2 ranking. During his absence, Jannik Sinner consolidated the top spot after successfully defending his Wimbledon title, while Alcaraz missed several major events as he focused on recovering from the wrist problem.

The US Open holds particular significance for Alcaraz. He won his first Grand Slam title at Flushing Meadows in 2022 before defeating Sinner in last year’s final to claim his second US Open crown. The victory also made him a seven-time Grand Slam champion.

His return will, however, come without a competitive warm-up tournament. Alcaraz had initially targeted the Cincinnati Masters for his comeback but ultimately withdrew as he continued his recovery and opted to prioritise full fitness.

Alcaraz has been stepping up his training in preparation for the tournament and recently practised with Denmark’s Holger Rune in Murcia.

The US Open is scheduled to begin on August 30, with Alcaraz set to begin his title defence after an extended absence from the tour. His return could also renew his high-profile rivalry with Sinner, although the Italian’s fitness remains a concern after he missed the Cincinnati Masters with a knee problem.