Alcaraz loses his first training set against Mérida at the US Open

Carlos Alcaraz has played his first training set at the US Open 2026 against Dani Mérida, whom he lost to by 7-5 after both played at a high level. After 4 and a half months away from the circuit due to a wrist injury, it is normal for the player from Murcia to gradually find his form on his return, and this is a more than positive result considering the good form of his compatriot.

It should not be forgotten that Mérida has just reached the quarter-finals of the Montreal Masters 1000, while in Cincinnati he went as far as the third round, where he lost to Taylor Fritz. Therefore, it has been a good first contact for an Alcaraz who now needs to gradually regain his sensations to arrive in the best possible shape for the singles draw, where he defends the title won last year.

The mixed doubles with Serena Williams, Alcaraz's first big test

Tomorrow will be the first big test for Alcaraz, as he will debut in the mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams in one of the most anticipated moments of the week. Everyone will be eager to see together the most media-friendly player on the circuit and the GOAT of women's tennis. Moreover, it will be a good opportunity for the Spanish player to get a feel for the center court and experience the pressure of a big stage in a packed stadium after such a long period of inactivity.

Although it remains an "exhibition" format, there is a million dollars at stake and the reputation to perform well against other pairs of the caliber of Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka or Taylor Fritz and Jessica Pegula. Therefore, both the Spanish player and the American will want to secure as many victories as possible to stay on the court.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz pierde su primer set de entrenamiento ante Mérida en el US Open