Carlos Alcaraz told he's ‘not the favourite’ for US Open as ‘Christmas has come early’ for rival

Carlos Alcaraz is set to return to action at the US Open, following much speculation as to whether he would defend his crown after his five-month absence with a wrist injury.

The Spaniard withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon to recover from his wrist issue, and he has now deemed this the right time to return to action.

The 23-year-old’s return was in his mixed doubles tournament, in which he impressed with his partner Serena Williams, but they would ultimately lose to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli.

Alcaraz’s performance in this tournament has dispelled some concerns about his fitness, yet there are still questions about whether he should be considered a favourite for the competition.

Now, Serena Williams’ former coach Rick Macci issued a warning about Alcaraz ahead of the US Open, as he believes the Spaniard needs to take it one game at a time.

Macci took to social media, as he said: “Everybody take a deep breath as Carlos will have a lot of Rust and it will take the REST OF THE YEAR to clean off the Dust.

“Believe it or not, he should not be the favourite to win the title because for 5 months he has been idol. You do not walk off the street compete have confidence and feet and in real combat the best players you beat.”

Jannik Sinner’s injury, which has ruled him out of the US Open, and the lack of competitive action for Alcaraz have both made Alexander Zverev the favourite for the competition.

The German lifted his first-ever Grand Slam earlier this year when he won the French Open, and now Macci believes he deserves to be considered the favourite with this being his tournament to throw away.

In a post on social media, Macci said: “I look for Zverev to bag his second major mainly because the two best players by far with a stick (CARLOS AND JANNIK) would be the pick.

“But the Flamethrower is hurt, and the Magician last played 5 months ago on dirt.

“Christmas has come early for the big serving Germ it is his major to lose unless he checks out get mad and then he might squirm.”

Who will Alexander Zverev face at the US Open?

Zverev will begin his US Open campaign with a clash against Lorenzo Sonego, with the German set to face the winner of Facundo Diaz Acosta or Quentin Halys in the second round.

Meanwhile, the Spaniard will square off with Roman Safiullin in the first round of the Grand Slam, with the second round pitting him against either Jaime Faria or Jenson Brooksby should he make it that far.