Carlos Alcaraz stepped into the main press room at the US Open on Friday with a cap featuring wings on its brim and a resolute smile. Just three days ahead of his highly anticipated singles return, scheduled for Monday against Russia’s Roman Safiullin on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the 23-year-old Spaniard expressed unwavering confidence in his potential despite a lengthy absence caused by a right-wrist injury.
“I hate losing. I’m here to go for everything”
While Alcaraz admitted that he despises defeat, his primary objective remains clear: prioritizing his health above all else during the tournament. “I hate losing, that’s obvious. I’m here to go for everything, but the most important thing for me is to leave this tournament healthy — to compete, to train with great players, to feel that my wrist and the rest of my body hold up,” he explained.
Rejecting any expectations or limits on his performance, Alcaraz emphasized focusing on the journey rather than the outcome. “I don’t know if my ceiling will be the first round, the second, or the final. I don’t want to think about the result, just the process — everything we’re doing, and especially going out there, enjoying it, and feeling good again. I’ve been wanting to feel that on a tennis court for a long time.”
Drawing inspiration from tennis legends who have overcome injuries to achieve major victories, Alcaraz referenced Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer as examples. “It’s possible. Federer, Rafa… they showed you can win a Grand Slam after a long injury or a really tough one. So we’re trying to hold onto that idea.”
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Alcaraz to see how he performs after his prolonged hiatus, with the young Spaniard determined to make the most of his return while keeping his well-being at the forefront.