Carlos Alcaraz is back on court after a four-month injury layoff, teaming up with Serena Williams for two mixed doubles matches at Flushing Meadows. While fans were happy to see him back, questions remain over whether his right wrist is fully ready for a tough singles run. On the latest episode of “Rennae Stubbs’ Tennis Podcast,” co-host Caitlin Thompson and Williams’ coach discussed the concerns around Alcaraz’s fitness, along with some positive signs from his training.
Rennae Stubbs Offers Positive Update on Carlos Alcaraz’s Wrist Concerns Ahead of US Open
Discussing Alcaraz’s return, co-host Thompson, the co-founder of Racquet Magazine, admitted she was worried about his wrist after such a long break. “I do have to say I’m a little nervous about Carlos and his wrist. I don’t know how good I feel about this,” she said. “I’m a little scared.”
Stubbs, however, offered a more positive update, revealing that Alcaraz had completed a two-hour practice session at Flushing Meadows.
“Well, he did practice. For two hours today on site,” Stubbs said. “And so that is a really great sign for all of us fans because nobody wants to see him out there more than I do.”
After losing a practice set 7-5 to compatriot Daniel Merida Aguilar at the US Open, Alcaraz returned to winning ways on Tuesday. The Murcian trained with Arthur Fils, the recent Cincinnati Masters 1000 champion, and won 6-4.
Before arriving in New York, Alcaraz also practiced with Holger Rune in Murcia, Spain, reportedly winning a practice set 7-6, 6-2. In Flushing Meadows, rain disrupted outdoor practice, so he moved indoors to train with his team and work on his shots away from the public eye.
Alcaraz is training on the indoor courts today, probably because of the rain affecting the outdoor courts.
A high-intensity session with no overload, featuring a few returns and some relaxed rallies before focusing on crosscourt backhands and forehands.
[Via @SpazioTennis] pic.twitter.com/dRcSt16D6I
— Alcaraz Updates🐝 (@alcarazzupdates) August 27, 2026
Alcaraz had a strong start to the season, winning the Australian Open and Qatar Open. However, in April, he withdrew from the Barcelona Open after his second-round win because of right wrist inflammation. To avoid worsening the injury, he then skipped several tournaments, including Madrid, Rome, the French Open (where he was the defending champion), Wimbledon, and Cincinnati.
The 23-year-old will begin his US Open title defense against Russia’s Roman Safiullin, marking his first serious test since returning from a long-term wrist injury.
With World No. 1 and his biggest rival, Jannik Sinner, sidelined by a knee injury as well, the men’s draw is considered wide-open by many. As the No. 2 seed, Alcaraz faces a tough path, with recent Masters 1000 champions Ben Shelton and Fils both placed in his quarter. Shelton won the Canadian Open, while Fils captured the Cincinnati Open, giving Alcaraz two in-form threats to deal with on his side of the draw.
The main draw begins on August 30.
