Carlos Alcaraz begins his US Open title defence against Russia’s Roman Safiullin in what will be the first serious test of his fitness since a long-term wrist injury.
The second-seeded Spaniard, who won the men’s singles title in New York last year, has not played a competitive singles match for more than four months because of inflammation in his right wrist. Despite his limited preparation, the 23-year-old remains one of the leading contenders to win the tournament again, particularly after his great rival Jannik Sinner withdrew because of a knee injury.
Alcaraz and Sinner have arguably been a cut above the rest of the men’s tour over the past two seasons. However, returning from such a prolonged absence with a delicate wrist problem and defeating the rest of the field would be a remarkable achievement, even for a player of Alcaraz’s generational talent.
Alcaraz faces immediate fitness test
The seven-time major champion missed this season’s French Open and Wimbledon because of the injury, which did not require surgery. He returned to court earlier this week in the US Open mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams.
Wearing a long compression sleeve on his right arm, Alcaraz did not look entirely convincing during the exhibition-style event. Understandably, he appeared to hold back on his serve and return as he gradually returned to competitive matchplay.
A five-set Grand Slam singles match will present a significantly greater physical challenge. Safiullin, who possesses a powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes, is not an easy opening opponent.
The 29-year-old Russian reached the fourth round at Wimbledon last month before losing to Novak Djokovic. He is likely to take time away from Alcaraz, test the Spaniard’s durability from the baseline and make him uncomfortable throughout the match.
Potential US Open route to the semi-finals
Predicting how a Grand Slam draw will develop is always difficult, but if Alcaraz defeats Safiullin and reaches the fourth round, he could face several further challenges given the length of his absence.
Based on the seedings, Alcaraz could meet the hard-working American Tommy Paul or the unpredictable Kazakh Alexander Bublik in the last 16.
Athletic Frenchman Arthur Fils and big-serving American Ben Shelton are possible quarter-final opponents, while Djokovic could await in the semi-finals.
Only Alcaraz and those closest to him know how his wrist will respond to the demands of five-set matches in the heat of a Grand Slam tournament. His opening challenge at Flushing Meadows, followed by a potentially intimidating second week, should provide the clearest indication.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
