After suffering an injury just before the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz assured fans that he is healthy enough to compete.
The Spanish world number three was training for the final Grand Slam of 2024, which starts on Monday, when his right leg gave way.
Speaking to the media after the incident, the 21-year-old explained that he had cut his session short as a precaution ahead of the tournament.
“I think it’s OK,” Alcaraz said. “You know, I’m just stopping practicing as a precaution. I didn’t feel comfortable enough to keep practicing in case things got worse.”
‘But you know, a few hours later I still feel good, you know, my feet, so tomorrow I’m going to try to train 100% again without thinking about it, but today I’m going to take good care of them.’
Carlos Alcaraz will compete at the US Open next week after suffering an injury
The injury occurred when Alcaraz made a routine attempt to play a backhand.
After sitting down, Alcaraz held his ankle before staring at the floor and shaking his head. After canceling his practice early, Alcaraz clarified that this was the cause of his frustration.
“I wasn’t worried at all about playing in the US Open,” the Spaniard said. “Of course I was angry because I don’t want to stop training, just out of respect. [Francisco] Cerundolo too.
“I don’t want to stop any training. I want to train, I want to get better, I want to prepare for the tournament.”
Alcaraz shattered his right ankle during a training session on Saturday
The Spaniard is the favourite to win the US Open after his wins at Wimbledon and the French Open
Alcaraz opens the tournament on Tuesday at 7pm against Australian Li Tu
“But honestly, with the ankle, I wasn’t worried about that. So I’m sure I’ll be 100% tomorrow or in two days, that’s for sure. It’s high time.
The 21-year-old, who won here in 2022, is the favourite to win this year’s US Open according to bookmakers, after victories at both Wimbledon and the French Open.
Alcaraz opens the tournament on Tuesday at 7pm against Australian Li Tu at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.