Carlos Alcaraz faces critical return at US Open
Greg Rusedski has branded it “insanity” that betting firms have installed Carlos Alcaraz as favourite to win the 2026 US Open, given the Spaniard has been sidelined for more than four months with a right wrist injury, reports BritPanorama.
Alcaraz, 23, confirmed last week his intention to return at Flushing Meadows after last competing in a first-round victory at the Barcelona Open back in April. The seven-time major winner missed both the French Open and Wimbledon during his lengthy absence.
Despite the prolonged downtime, bookmakers have Alcaraz priced at 2/1 to lift the trophy. Before any decision on the men’s singles draw is made, he will partner tennis legend Serena Williams in the mixed doubles, with their opening match scheduled for Tuesday. The main draw singles competition commences on Sunday.
Rusedski suggested this pairing serves as a crucial trial for Alcaraz’s injured wrist, expressing concern over the wisdom of returning to compete at a Grand Slam. “I think he’ll make a decision [on playing singles] after the mixed doubles event,” he said, noting the commercial aspect of the partnership, as both athletes share the same clothing brand sponsor, creating significant publicity.
Arriving early in New York presents Alcaraz with opportunities to practise with elite players like Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic. However, Rusedski cautioned that practice sessions cannot replicate the rigours of Grand Slam tennis. “He won’t be practising in a manner for three out of five sets. So, this is so many question marks up in the air,” he stated.
The central concern remains whether Alcaraz’s wrist can endure the demands of best-of-five-set matches. “I’m still questioning, is that wrist ready for three out of five sets? I hope I’m wrong because it’s great to have him back,” Rusedski added. With a strong record at Flushing Meadows, where he has won titles in 2022 and 2025, Alcaraz has achieved 24 victories against just three defeats.
His reigning champion status partially accounts for the heavy odds in his favour, with Alcaraz sitting at 2/1, ahead of 2026 French Open champion Alexander Zverev at 15/4. Novak Djokovic, pursuing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, stands at 8/1.
One notable absence from the draw is world No 1 Jannik Sinner, who confirmed his withdrawal from the tournament due to injury, removing another potential obstacle from Alcaraz’s path should he choose to compete.
As the tournament looms, Alcaraz’s journey back to competition echoes a broader narrative of resilience in sport—one that reminds us how the context of injury can shape an athlete’s legacy, not merely their performance.
