Carlos Alcaraz has arrived in New York as he prepares to make his long-awaited return at the US Open. The defending champion has not played a competitive match since April. He last featured in Barcelona on April 14 before withdrawing from the tournament with a right wrist injury. The injury then forced him to miss the French Open, Wimbledon and the North American hard-court events. Now, after more than four months away, the Spaniard is back at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. His return has added plenty of excitement around this year’s final Grand Slam. Alcaraz confirmed his comeback on Thursday with a simple message, “HERE WE GO!” He will now look to defend the title he won against Jannik Sinner last year.
The 23-year-old arrives with plenty to prove after such a long break. Before his injury, he had enjoyed a strong start to the 2026 season. He won the Australian Open and Doha titles and reached a 22-3 record before his setback. The wrist injury brought that momentum to an unexpected stop. His first challenge will be finding his rhythm again in New York. Alcaraz has also received a wildcard for the US Open mixed doubles event. He will team up with Serena Williams, creating one of the tournament’s biggest attractions. For now, all eyes are on the defending champion as he begins another US Open campaign.
Serena Williams returns to US Open after four years, teams up with Carlos Alcaraz
Serena Williams is heading back to the US Open after four years away from the tournament. The 44-year-old will make a surprise return to Flushing Meadows by teaming up with Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles. The pair have received a wildcard for the event. Williams last played at the US Open in 2022. At the time, many believed that appearance would be her farewell to tennis. Now, she is back in New York for another unexpected chapter. Williams recently returned to the court alongside her sister Venus at the Cincinnati Open. She will now share the court with one of tennis’ biggest young stars. The pairing has already created plenty of excitement among fans. It also gives Williams another chance to play at a tournament where she has enjoyed some of her biggest moments.
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Alcaraz will also be making his return to competitive tennis in New York. The defending US Open champion has been away from the tour for more than four months because of a wrist injury. He is expected to defend his singles title while also taking part in mixed doubles. For Williams, the return is about more than just another tournament appearance. She has won the US Open singles title six times and remains one of the event’s most iconic champions. She also won the mixed doubles title at the tournament in 1998. The new format will feature 16 teams competing across two days. Williams and Alcaraz will now be one of the most talked-about pairings in the draw. Their partnership brings together experience and youth on one court. It could also become one of the most memorable moments of this year’s US Open.
