Carlos Alcaraz’s absence from the tour was keenly felt not only by tennis fans but also by his fellow players, as evidenced by his warm interactions with several WTA stars at the US Open. The Spaniard mingled with the likes of Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Elena Rybakina while gearing up for his highly anticipated comeback.
Inside Carlos Alcaraz’s Interactions with Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula at the US Open
Alcaraz is making his return to the professional circuit at the US Open after spending over four months on the sidelines due to a right wrist injury sustained at the Barcelona Open in April.
Having missed the French Open and Wimbledon, the Spaniard will be looking to bounce back strongly in New York as he enters the final Grand Slam of the season as the defending champion.
Alcaraz made a comeback to competitive action alongside Serena Williams in the mixed doubles event at the US Open. The high-profile duo triumphed over Erin Routliffe and Lloyd Glasspool before falling short against Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion has also been treating fans to promising practice sessions at Flushing Meadows, building anticipation for his opening singles match. During a recent training block, Alcaraz’s camaraderie with his fellow players was on display as he exchanged high-fives with Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula before sharing a warm hug with Marta Kostyuk.
Carlitos with WTA players 🫶🏼 pic.twitter.com/bpH3fKjeyu
— f #7inMelbourne (@fvaeey) August 29, 2026
Alcaraz also greeted Elena Rybakina with a high-five upon arriving on court for his session. Rybakina has her own fitness concerns to contend with since her mid-match retirement against Iga Świątek at the Cincinnati Open due to a left ankle injury.
Carlos Alcaraz arriving on Ashe for his practice with Karen Khachanov. Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina packing up from their practice pic.twitter.com/okLPY9bN76
— Sam (@LoverLondonGirl) August 29, 2026
No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz is set to kick off his title defense against Roman Safiullin in the first round of the US Open. If he emerges victorious, the Spaniard will meet either Jenson Brooksby or Jaime Faria in the second round.
On the women’s side, No. 4 seed Gauff will square off against Zeynep Sönmez, while No. 3 seed Pegula faces Elena-Gabriela Ruse. No. 2 seed Rybakina is set to take on Thea Frodin, with No. 11 seed Kostyuk going up against Storm Hunter.
