Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Carlos Alcaraz says overcoming "intrusive thoughts" has been the toughest hurdle in his recovery from a wrist injury as he prepares to launch his US Open title defence.
The Spaniard, who has been sidelined from singles competition for four months, admitted that returning from the layoff triggered familiar anxieties similar to a previous forearm injury.
"Intrusive thoughts were the most difficult things to deal with in this process," Alcaraz said, acknowledging the mental battles of his time off court. "I got to trust my team, I got to trust my people that tell me it's going to be fine. So I just have to go 100%, and right now with the practice I have made so far, it's been all good. Trying to stay away from that fear."
While sidelined, Alcaraz made the most of his downtime by participating in the FIFA World Cup trophy ceremony, carrying the official trophy in its Louis Vuitton trunk onto the pitch before Spain was crowned champion.
"For me it was a lifetime experience, seeing Spain winning the World Cup," Alcaraz said. "Going back a little bit about the things that I missed, tournaments that I missed and everything, I just try to make the most of the opportunities that life brought to me."
Addressing the absence of rival Jannik Sinner, who is sidelined through injury, Alcaraz noted it will feel "weird" not facing him for several months and wished him a swift recovery.
He faces Roman Safiullin in the opening round on Monday, August 31.
Carlos Alcaraz says overcoming "intrusive thoughts" has been the toughest hurdle in his recovery from a wrist injury as he prepares to launch his US Open title defence.
The Spaniard, who has been sidelined from singles competition for four months, admitted that returning from the layoff triggered familiar anxieties similar to a previous forearm injury.
"Intrusive thoughts were the most difficult things to deal with in this process," Alcaraz said, acknowledging the mental battles of his time off court. "I got to trust my team, I got to trust my people that tell me it's going to be fine. So I just have to go 100%, and right now with the practice I have made so far, it's been all good. Trying to stay away from that fear."
While sidelined, Alcaraz made the most of his downtime by participating in the FIFA World Cup trophy ceremony, carrying the official trophy in its Louis Vuitton trunk onto the pitch before Spain was crowned champion.
"For me it was a lifetime experience, seeing Spain winning the World Cup," Alcaraz said. "Going back a little bit about the things that I missed, tournaments that I missed and everything, I just try to make the most of the opportunities that life brought to me."
Addressing the absence of rival Jannik Sinner, who is sidelined through injury, Alcaraz noted it will feel "weird" not facing him for several months and wished him a swift recovery.
He faces Roman Safiullin in the opening round on Monday, August 31.
