Alcaraz on Toughest Recovery Phase: 'Intrusive Thoughts Tormented Me'

After a grueling nearly five-month absence due to a wrist injury, Carlos Alcaraz is making his return to the competitive tennis scene. He recently played mixed doubles with Serena Williams and is now set to defend his title at the US Open in singles.

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The most demanding part was the intrusive thoughts.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, the 23-year-old Spaniard candidly shared the psychological toll of his extended recovery. "The most demanding part was the intrusive thoughts," Alcaraz admitted. He experienced significant uncertainty during the period when he was training again but remained unsure of his readiness for competition and whether he would be able to participate in the North American season.

Alcaraz sustained the injury in April in Barcelona, forcing him to miss a significant portion of the clay-court season, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and almost the entire hard-court season in North America. "The first month was quite difficult because I couldn't do anything with my right hand. It was exhausting," he recalled. However, he also noted that the forced break allowed him more time with family and friends.

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The first month was quite difficult because I couldn't do anything with my right hand. It was exhausting.

The greatest uncertainty, he explained, arose as he gradually returned to training. "I didn't know if I would be ready for Cincinnati, for the US Open, or if I would have to miss the entire American season. Those kinds of thoughts were very difficult to manage," Alcaraz said. Despite these mental battles, his confidence remains high. He began the season strongly, winning the Australian Open in January and becoming the youngest player to win all four Grand Slams. He is now aiming for his third US Open title.

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I didn't know if I would be ready for Cincinnati, for the US Open, or if I would have to miss the entire American season. Those kinds of thoughts were very difficult to manage.

Notably, Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz's main rival, will not be competing in New York due to persistent knee issues. Alcaraz expressed well wishes for Sinner's recovery. As the main draw of the US Open commences, Alcaraz, despite the lack of match rhythm, is considered one of the favorites. His primary focus now is on being healthy and playing without fear of re-injury.

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We won't see each other for about six or seven months, which is quite unusual. I wish him all the best and hope he recovers well and returns to the court in his best form.