Carlos Alcaraz accelerates his preparation in New York. The Spaniard completed a high-intensity session on the Arthur Ashe court, where he played a set of nearly 50 minutes against Dani Mérida.
The set ended with a victory for Mérida by 7-5, but the score was secondary. For Alcaraz, it represented a new physical test after being out of the circuit for more than four months due to the right wrist injury he suffered in April during the Conde de Godó.
More intensity before returning to compete
Alcaraz and Mérida progressively increased the pace during a session followed by numerous fans in Flushing Meadows.
The Murcian had previously trained at the New York complex, but entering Arthur Ashe represents another step in a preparation aimed at regaining competitive rhythm after the longest break of his career.
His return will come even before the singles draw.
Serena Williams, first partner after the injury
Alcaraz will compete in mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams, one of the main novelties of this edition of the tournament.
The organization granted them an invitation to participate in a draw of 16 pairs. The first round and the quarter-finals will take place this Tuesday, August 25, while the semi-finals and the final are scheduled for Wednesday, August 26.
For Alcaraz, it will be his first official match since April.
Serena Williams, winner of 23 individual Grand Slam titles, also makes a highly publicized return to the US Open.
The singles draw will come later
The real test for Alcaraz will come with the individual tournament.
The Spaniard arrives in New York as the reigning champion and will seek a new title after also winning the US Open in 2022.
The absence of Jannik Sinner also modifies the competitive landscape of the tournament, while Alcaraz tries to regain sensations without having played official matches for a good part of spring and summer.