'It’s wonderful for the sport'

Analysis from senior tennis writer Ava Wallace

To get the obvious out of the way: It’s wonderful for the sport that Alcaraz and his energy, game style and variety are back. Aside from some intriguing stories cropping up in the past few weeks, men’s tennis felt heavier while he was gone, laden by both injuries and top players disappointing themselves, unable to fully take advantage of his absence at the Grand Slams.

The injuries remain, including, possibly, a lingering knee issue for Jannik Sinner. But with Alcaraz comes a renewed sense of lightness.

A low-pressure return

As for the state of Alcaraz: He has missed enough tennis that it feels comfortable to assume he isn’t rushing back from his wrist injury. The fact that he withdrew from the Cincinnati Open and will arrive at the year’s final Grand Slam having not played competitive tennis since April 14 also suggests he might not be overly concerned with dominating the rest of the field at the U.S. Open … even though he probably could.

With those two assumptions — and they are just assumptions — comes one possible conclusion: Alcaraz just wants to play. If that is his line of thinking — test the wrist out, get the competitive juices flowing, play some real tennis for his mental wellbeing as much as anything — that makes perfect sense, and everyone, including Alcaraz himself, might adjust their expectations accordingly.

The 23-year-old has never missed this much time in his young career, and the rust could fall off with one match or he could struggle to reach his usual level. Either way, as long as he’s healthy — the most important factor, especially with a wrist injury — there’s no real downside to getting back out there. In fact, in New York, there might only be upside.

Why New York suits him

The U.S. Open is the busiest Grand Slam for stars like Alcaraz in terms of sponsor appearances and off-court opportunities, so much so that it wouldn’t be a stretch for him to appear in New York for brand partnerships even if he weren’t playing. Alcaraz also loves the energy at the U.S. Open. Not being there might occasion a smothering sense of FOMO. Missing two Grand Slams is tolerable; three feels much more dire.

Keep expectations in check

As for fans’ expectations? Keep them low, as wrist injuries in tennis can be a bear to come back from, especially for someone whose game relies on quick hands and deft feel. If Alcaraz defies all norms as he usually does and makes the final without an ounce of touch lost in his drop shot, it’ll be even more delightful and impressive.

No one lights up a stadium as Alcaraz has across the past three seasons with his dynamic, all-court game, his love of the spotlight, and his can-you-top-this flair for the improvisational. He does not win every match or every title, but his play elicits gasps from crowds unlike anything else on the court. Those waiting for him in New York will hope to see all of that. How soon? Let’s see.