After suffering an injury scare just before the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz assured fans that he is healthy enough to compete.
The Spanish world number three was practising ahead of the final Grand Slam of 2024, which starts on Monday, when his right leg buckled.
Speaking to the media after the incident, the 21-year-old explained how he cut short his session as a precaution ahead of the tournament.
“I think it’s fine,” Alcaraz said. “You know, I’m just stopping practice out of caution. I don’t feel comfortable enough to keep practicing just in case it’s going to get worse.”
‘But, you know, after a few hours, I still feel good, you know, my feet, so tomorrow I’ll try to get back to practicing 100% without thinking about it, but today I’ll deal with it.’
Carlos Alcaraz will compete at the US Open next week after suffering an injury scare
The injury occurred when Alcaraz was making a routine attempt to play a backhand.
After taking his seat, Alcaraz held his ankle before looking at the ground and shaking his head. After ending the training session early, Alcaraz clarified that this was the cause of his frustration.
“I wasn’t worried at all about my participation in the US Open,” the Spaniard said. “Obviously I was angry because I don’t want to stop practicing, just out of respect for (Francisco) Cerundolo.”
“I don’t want to stop training. I want to train, I want to improve, I want to prepare for the tournament.”
Alcaraz twisted his right ankle during a training session on Saturday
The Spaniard is the favourite to win the US Open after winning Wimbledon and the French Open.
Alcaraz will open the tournament against Australian Li Tu on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
“But honestly, with the ankle I wasn’t worried about that. So I’m sure that, you know, tomorrow or in two days I’ll be 100%, for sure. It’s about time.”
The 21-year-old, who won here in 2022, is the bookmakers’ favourite to win this year’s US Open after winning both Wimbledon and the French Open.
Alcaraz will open the tournament against Australian Li Tu at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday at 7 p.m.