Carlos Alcaraz receives stark comeback warning from tennis legend days before US Open

A tennis legend has questioned Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to compete at the upcoming US Open.

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz has not played since his first-round match at the Barcelona Open back in April, having sustained a long-term wrist injury which saw him miss out on the action at the French Open and Wimbledon.

Last week, it was confirmed that Alcaraz will compete at the fourth major of the season, although he will not face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner after the Italian confirmed his withdrawal through injury. It remains unclear if Alcaraz will compete in the men’s singles event, with main draw action set to begin on August 30.

The Spaniard is due to partner Serena Williams in the mixed doubles event, which kicks off on August 25.

Alcaraz warned by Rusedski ahead of US Open comeback

Despite the 23-year-old being the reigning men's singles champion, former world No. 4 and 1997 US Open finalist Greg Rusedski believes expectations should be tempered given Alcaraz’s time away from the court, even claiming he would be surprised if he took part in the men’s singles event.

Speaking on the Off Court with Greg Rusedski Podcast, the 52-year-old claimed: “You’ve got to think, yes, he’s done all those hours on court, but the good news from getting to New York: he’ll be able to practise with top world-class players every single practice session.

“So, he’ll be able to build up, and then I think he’ll make a decision [on playing singles] after the mixed doubles event. Also, his sponsor with his clothes brand is the same as Serena.

“So, that in itself is huge publicity in the week. He hasn’t been in the spotlight. He says he’s back and he gets to test it out with the likes of Sascha Zverev with practice sessions, Novak Djokovic, all these players to feel it out, how the wrist sustains.

“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. I would be surprised still if he plays the US Open.

“He says he’s back. He’s going to play the mixed doubles. He’s going to have a practice week with the very best on the planet, and then he’ll make a decision.

“I still can’t believe it. You look at the betting odds, the bookies have Carlos Alcaraz as the man to beat. He hasn’t played a match in four months! I mean, that to me just seems insanity.

“I’m still questioning, is that wrist ready for three out of five sets? And I don’t think it’s the smartest thing. I hope I’m wrong because it’s great to have him back.”

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Alcaraz, who has won the 2022 and 2025 US Open, boasts an impressive record in New York, having previously won 24 matches and lost just three, with an overall win percentage of 89.9.

As per Oddschecker, Alcaraz remains the favourite for the men’s title, priced at 2/1, while 2026 French Open winner Alexander Zverev returns odds of 15/4.

Novak Djokovic is 8/1 as he quests to win his 25th Grand Slam crown.