Carlos Alcaraz US Open 2026: Defending Champion Faces Ultimate Rust Test

The Spaniard arrives at Flushing Meadows attempting to defend his title under highly unusual circumstances: he has not played a competitive singles match since April.

If there is one venue where Alcaraz can defy conventional preparation logic, it is the US Open. He captured his maiden Grand Slam title and the world No. 1 ranking here in 2022, and he successfully hoisted the trophy again in 2025. His career win-loss record at this tournament sits at an elite 24-3.

Furthermore, he is not returning from a prolonged slump. Before a right wrist injury halted his season in Barcelona, Alcaraz had compiled a spectacular 22-3 record.

Despite his brilliant early-season form, a 130-day absence from singles competition is an enormous obstacle. Training intensely is fundamentally different from playing a best-of-five Grand Slam match.

The physical toll of Grand Slam tennis ruthlessly exposes any lack of match fitness.

The tournament landscape shifted dramatically when Jannik Sinner withdrew due to a knee injury. Sinner’s absence removes Alcaraz’s primary modern rival, seemingly clearing a major hurdle.

Alexander Zverev enters as the No. Meanwhile, four-time champion Novak Djokovic lurks as the No. 4 seed. A potential late-round clash with an ultra-experienced, match-sharp Djokovic might ruthlessly exploit any lingering rust in Alcaraz’s game.

Carlos Alcaraz possesses more than enough quality, tactical brilliance, and sheer willpower to defend his crown. However, expecting him to immediately resume his pre-injury dominance is unrealistic.