Carlos Alcaraz has not played a singles match since 13 April, and for the 23-year-old that absence, set against a serious wrist injury, brought intrusive thoughts. "Those intrusive thoughts were the most difficult things to deal with in this process," the champion admitted.
Tenosynovitis in the wrist and barely any match practice leave his readiness open to question, yet he is still seeded second at the US Open. That heavy forehand keeps loading the joint, hence the protective sleeve on his arm. Carlos feels great in himself, but this has hardly been the ideal build-up. To defend his title, the champion is ready to push his physical and mental limits once again.
