Carlos Alcaraz is getting closer and closer to a return to tennis, but the Spaniard still might not be back in time for the US Open.
Alcaraz has missed five months of action since suffering a wrist injury at the Barcelona Open in April, and it has kept him out of Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
The Spaniard is now hitting the court with some verocity in Murcia, alongside fellow ATP star Holger Rune, but there is still doubt over his status at the US Open.
With rumours swirling about Alcaraz playing the US Open, Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, has had his say on the Spaniard appearing at the Grand Slam.
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Speaking on social media, Macci said: “If the Spanish Magician plays the US Open, the last Grand Slam of the year, TV ratings will be top tier. Coming off an injury and being the best on the planet will show his game and if his mind is still like granite.
“It is still 50/50 that he takes a bite of the Big Apple and wants to battle and grapple. Carlos will play when he feels ready to have fun but his overall comeback will take time to get to number one.”
If Alcaraz does not play the US Open, it is very likely he will make his return at the Laver Cup, which takes place at the end of September.
The Spaniard was one of the first players to sign up for the 2026 event, which takes place in London at The O2 Arena for this installment.
He has played the tournament the past two season and has often gone on record to say how much he loves the team format, as Team Europe take on Team World.
It is also essentially an exhibition event, despite the fierce competition on the court, so it would be perfect for Alcaraz to try and get up to speed alongside some of the ATP Tour’s very best.
Alcaraz could play singles and doubles in a laid-back atmosphere to prpare him for the hustle and bustle of the ATP Tour to truly test out if his wrist is ready for a return to tennis.
Alcaraz would be teamed alongside Flavio Cobolli, Alexander Zverev, Rafael Jodar, Jakub Mensik and Casper Ruud. Team World, meanwhile, consists of Alex de Minaur, Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, Alexander Bublik, Learner Tien, and Tommy Paul.
Following the Laver Cup, there is another busy period in the sport, including the Asian swing, and the indoor European swing, including the final two remaining Masters tournaments and the ATP Finals.
