Alcaraz Misses Rival Sinner, Ready for US Open Comeback

Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz is set to make his comeback at the US Open after a four-month absence due to a wrist injury. The tournament begins Sunday, but Alcaraz will not face his frequent rival, Jannik Sinner, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

"We will not see each other for six or seven months. It's a very strange situation, I must say," Alcaraz commented on Sinner's absence. "I wish him all the best. Hopefully, he recovers so we can soon see him do his best on the court."

The two young stars have had a significant rivalry in recent years, meeting in six matches in 2023 alone and splitting the four Grand Slam titles between them, facing each other in three finals. Their most recent encounter was in the Monte Carlo final in April, just a week before Alcaraz sustained his injury.

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We will not see each other for six or seven months. It's a very strange situation, I must say. I wish him all the best. Hopefully, he recovers so we can soon see him do his best out on the court.

Alcaraz described the initial month of his recovery as particularly difficult, as he was unable to use his right arm. "It was very hard, but at the same time, I tried to enjoy the time with my family and friends at home," he said. "When I first started training a little, I didn't know when I could play a match again. It brought on some intrusive thoughts that were difficult to handle. I didn't know if I would be ready for the US Open, but now I'm here."

Seeded second at the US Open, Alcaraz will begin the final Grand Slam tournament of the year against Russia's Roman Safiullin, ranked 98th in the world. During his injury break, Alcaraz also had the opportunity to attend the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New York, an experience he described as very special.

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It was very hard, but at the same time, I tried to enjoy the time with my family and friends at home. When I first started training a little, I didn't know when I could play a match again. It brought on some intrusive thoughts that were difficult to handle. I didn't know if I would be ready for the US Open, but now I'm here.