Alcaraz falls to Fils in his second practice match at the US Open

Yesterday, Carlos Alcaraz held his first training set in New York against Dani Mérida as he prepares for the US Open 2026. The Murcian tennis player narrowly lost 7-5, although today he played another match against Arthur Fils in which he lost more decisively with a score of 1-6 and 2-3.

Before alarm bells start ringing, it's important to remember that Alcaraz comes from 4 and a half months of inactivity due to a serious wrist injury. It is normal that as the days go by he will regain his feelings, as up until a week ago the only thing he had done was train with his team in Spain. His set against a player as fit as Mérida was very positive, and even though Fils won more decisively, it remains a training session where the important thing is to gain rhythm for what lies ahead.

Fils, one of the top favorites to win the US Open

Additionally, for those who may not know, it is important to highlight that the French player comes from winning the ATP Cincinnati (his first Masters 1000) and is one of the main favorites to win the US Open. Therefore, he could not have chosen a better partner to gain experience and understand that there is still much work to be done in the coming days.

For now, Alcaraz's next stop will be his debut against Serena Williams in mixed doubles in a few minutes, which will allow him to play again in a great stadium (Arthur Ashe specifically) and feel the warmth and pressure of the crowd before his debut. Moreover, what is essential today is that he feels good physically and without discomfort, as the results will come with the passing of the days.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz cae ante Fils en su segundo partido de entrenamiento en el US Open