Carlos Alcaraz is making his return to action at the US Open, where he is the defending champion. The world No. 3 has not played a match since April due to a wrist injury, missing the French Open and Wimbledon. He is making his comeback in best-of-five set matches at a Grand Slam.
Alcaraz has already been out on court in Flushing Meadows, teaming up with Serena Williams in the mixed doubles event, where they lost in the quarter-finals. But the mixed competition uses fast-4 scoring, so Alcaraz has also been playing full practice sets with some of his rivals.
Practice set insight
One of those practice sets came against countryman Daniel Merida, who won it 7-5. Afterwards, the world No. 39 admitted that Alcaraz's lack of match fitness after four months on the sidelines was evident.
“It was a good set. Carlos is playing well, but obviously after four months without competing, it shows a bit. I felt very good and played with confidence,” the 21-year-old told Marca.
Backing Alcaraz
Merida is also backing the seven-time Major champion to rediscover his best form once he gets a few matches under his belt.
Merida added: “Alcaraz has a very high level of tennis. As soon as he gets into a rhythm, plays some matches, and overcomes his wrist injury, we'll see him at the same level we've always seen him at.”
It was Alcaraz's coach, Samuel Lopez, who reached out to team Merida to arrange the practice session. “Samuel Lopez spoke with my coach. When we knew Carlos was definitely coming to play, we tried to arrange some practice sessions with him,” he explained.
Merida's own rise
“He's a great player, and you always want to practice with people like him at tournaments like this. I was really happy to have shared the court with him on centre court at the US Open. I'd say it was an incredible experience.”
Merida has already followed in Alcaraz's footsteps by winning his maiden ATP Tour title at the Croatia Open in Umag this summer. Aged 21, he became the third-youngest finalist this decade, after Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz's first title also came in Umag five years ago.
While Alcaraz focuses on his comeback, Merida will be making his US Open main draw debut. The world No. 39 won his first Grand Slam main draw match at Wimbledon earlier this summer, but after winning the Umag title and reaching the quarter-finals of the Canadian Open and last 16 of the Cincinnati Open, he's aiming high.
“Ultimately, my perspective has changed a lot in these last few months. In the other Grand Slams I've played, I went to see what might happen. I'm arriving in New York with a different mindset, knowing that I can compete against everyone and reach the later rounds,” Merida said.
