Leading Expert Doubts Alcaraz US Open Participation After Wrist Injury
Ten-time Grand Slam champion Stephen Smith, founder of Kitman Labs – the world’s leading sports science and performance intelligence company – expressed skepticism over Carlos Alcaraz playing at the 2026 US Open. According to reporting by Tennis365, a “perfect storm” of welfare risks await the Spanish icon.
The 23-year-old has been out since April due to a right wrist injury, which he sustained after his dominant performance to secure back-to-back US Open titles in 2024 and 2025. Alcaraz recently won his maiden Australian Open title, completing the career Grand Slam. However, despite remaining on the entry list for Flushing Meadows, his participation hangs in the balance.
Extreme Conditions Posed by US Open
Smith highlighted that the 2026 edition of the US Open would compound Alcaraz's welfare risks: “The extreme heat and humidity in New York, combined with the hardest surface in tennis along with five-set matches, pose significant challenges for a player who has been off for four months,” said Smith.
Surface Concerns
The ATP 250 event in Winston-Salem, held the week before the US Open, remains Alcaraz’s most likely tournament. However, this scenario appears unlikely as he did not play at the Cincinnati Masters and is not scheduled for any games leading up to Flushing Meadows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Carlos Alcaraz compete at the US Open?
Given Smith’s concerns over severe weather conditions, a challenging surface, and long matches, it seems unlikely that Alcaraz will pursue his comeback on such short notice. His patience with recovery suggests he may opt to build his form gradually.
What are Carlos Alcaraz's options for building up before the US Open?
If not playing in the upcoming tournaments, Alcaraz could participate in grass-court events in Europe or continue working towards full fitness through training and possibly indoor hard-court matches. This would provide a gradual and safer return to competition.