Carlos Alcaraz has been ramping up his training of late in a desperate effort to prove himself fit enough for the US Open.
And, in released photos and videos likely sanctioned by his team, what we have seen has looked hugely positive.
For the first time in a long time, it seems like the 23-year-old is able to serve and strike his patented forehand with the same kind of venom that has already led him to seven Grand Slam titles.
However, brief snippets of training are not indicative of true readiness for the biggest stages.
Especially given the conflicting reports that have now emerged, the newfound positivity surrounding Carlos Alcaraz might actually soon devolve into a withdrawal from the US Open.
The latest on Carlos Alcaraz’s recovery at the US Open
Initial positivity was encouraged when Spanish journalist Jose Moron took to X to offer his unique insight into these training sessions.
Remarking on the latest one, he insisted: “I’ve been told that Alcaraz’s training session today was VERY INTENSE. That his sensations are improving day by day and he’s ramping up the speed on the matter.
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“The final decision on whether he travels to New York or not should come this week. Fingers crossed.”
However, such an uplifting update was swiftly snuffed out by a conflicting statement that emerged from Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.
They contested his claims by instead insisting that word coming out of Spain is that Alcaraz seems resigned to his US Open withdrawal, with the right wrist not quite proving itself ready for such scrutiny.
There are fears that the risk of re-injuring the affected area is too high, with Emilio Sanchez, a well-respected coach, telling Sky: “I know that last week he trained at 50%. There are now two weeks left; if he is able to reach 100%, we could see him, but I don’t think he has enough time.
“If it had been a normal tournament, there would have been more chances, but the US Open has seven best-of-five-set matches, with fit players. Maybe he should wait for autumn.”
It is instead theorised that the Laver Cup might be a better fit for his return.
Carlos Alcaraz must take no risks and withdraw from the US Open
Although reports have been conflicting, many are starting to suggest that it might be better for Alcaraz to withdraw from the US Open and take no risk.
After all, at this point, if he does travel to New York, he will be taking a huge risk.
Ramping up his practice sessions is one thing, but it simply cannot replace the real intensity that matches and tournaments bring.
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That is the only way to know whether his wrist will stand up to such intense physical scrutiny.
Throwing himself back into best-of-five-set matches for his very first tournament back seems reckless and unnecessarily risky, particularly when the reward is so unlikely.
Alcaraz has already missed Roland Garros and Wimbledon, both of which must have been crushing but necessary choices. If he is not 100%, which the lack of competitive tournament play insists he mustn’t be, then the decision on the US Open should be obvious.
