Rusedski warns about Alcaraz's return at the US Open: "It's a huge risk"
The former US Open finalist believes that it is too much to return from a wrist injury in a Grand Slam with 5 sets.
Carlos Alcaraz has been the main protagonist of the week by announcing his return to the circuit 4 and a half months later to compete in the US Open 2026. The Spanish tennis player and his team feel prepared to try to defend his crown in New York, although Greg Rusedski has issued a warning about the risks involved in suddenly playing a Grand Slam best of five sets after a serious injury like a wrist injury.
Before Alcaraz's return was confirmed, just when the Spaniard withdrew from Cincinnati, Rusedski said he did not see him returning at the US Open due to the risks involved. However, if there is one thing that has characterized Carlos and his team in recent months, it has been caution. Therefore, if they have decided to return in New York, it is because they are truly confident that there is no chance of a relapse, or at least it is minimal, something that Greg does not fully believe. In fact, he is still unsure whether the Murcia native will play in the singles draw after confirming his pairing with Serena Williams in mixed doubles.
“Why would you return to play with a wrist injury in three of the five sets? Perhaps he is thinking that in three out of five sets he can beat his opponents in straight sets, can recover, and has a day off between each match, but I believe it is a huge risk. I would be very surprised if he plays in singles," he stated on his podcast 'Off Court'. In fact, Greg's opinion has remained consistent in recent weeks, and he has stuck to his belief that the only secure option for Alcaraz to play at the US Open was to compete in Cincinnati.
Rusedski believes Alcaraz could only play mixed doubles at the US Open
For now, Alcaraz has already landed in New York and has trained in front of a packed court that has embraced the return of the biggest superstar on the circuit. His first real contact will come starting this Tuesday in the mixed doubles tournament alongside Serena Williams, which will help him gauge his feelings and see where he stands with his tennis. Despite all these incentives, Rusedski still believes that there is a possibility that Carlos may not compete in the singles draw.
“I hope he can play the US Open, but I’m not sure it’s the smartest decision unless it’s just a publicity strategy and he plays only in mixed doubles and does not even compete in singles. Who knows? We won't know what will happen until he steps onto the court for the first match of the first round in New York," he concluded. Unless surprised, the opinion of the former Roland Garros finalist seems incorrect, as if the Spanish player announces something so important, it is because he has decided to return full-time, not hesitantly.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Rusedski avisa sobre la vuelta de Alcaraz en el US Open: "Es un riesgo enorme"