A viral clip of Carlos Alcaraz practicing after his withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open has divided tennis fans. The 21-year-old Spaniard is seen hitting forehands and backhands at a training facility in Murcia, Spain, wearing a compression sleeve on his right wrist. While some observers believe the footage shows a player nearing full fitness, others point to signs of lingering trouble. With the US Open just days away, Alcaraz’s status is one of the most talked-about questions in tennis.
Alcaraz’s Troubled Season
It has been a disappointing year for Carlos Alcaraz and his fans. After winning the Australian Open in January, the world number three was expected to dominate the tennis calendar. Instead, a wrist injury has derailed his season. He missed several tournaments, including Wimbledon, where he was the defending champion. The injury has limited his playing time and disrupted his momentum. Alcaraz had shown signs of returning to top form earlier in the year, but the physical setback has cast doubt over his ability to compete at the highest level.
The wrist problem first became a major concern during the clay-court season. Alcaraz struggled with discomfort in his right wrist, which he later said affected his serve and forehand. After a second-round loss at the Madrid Open, he announced he would take time off to recover. He skipped the Italian Open and later withdrew from the French Open, a tournament he had won in 2024. The decision to pull out of Roland Garros was a blow to his fans and to the tournament organizers.
The Cincinnati Withdrawal and US Open Uncertainty
There was growing optimism that Alcaraz would return for the Cincinnati Open, a key warm-up event for the US Open. However, his recent withdrawal from the tournament set off alarm bells for some followers. He was scheduled to play in Cincinnati but pulled out, citing the need to continue his recovery. This move was viewed as a precaution, but it also fueled speculation that his wrist may still be causing problems.
The US Open is one of the most important tournaments of the year, and Alcaraz has a special history with it. He won his first Grand Slam title there in 2022, defeating Casper Ruud in the final. That victory made him the youngest world number one in ATP rankings history. He also reached the semifinals in 2023 and the second round in 2024, though he was hampered by injury in that match. For Alcaraz, skipping the US Open would be a significant blow, both personally and professionally.
Training Video Sparks Fan Debate
While Alcaraz may not be competing in official tournaments to get back up to speed, he is still training. A video of him practicing at a club in Murcia was shared widely on social media this week. In the clip, Alcaraz is seen hitting balls with a coach, but he is wearing a black compression sleeve on his right wrist and forearm. The footage has generated mixed reactions from fans and analysts.
Some fans were optimistic about what they saw. One commenter wrote, “Going smooth on that recovery. Favourite hairstyle so far too, Carlos.” Others pointed to his movement and shot quality as positive signs. Another fan added, “He’s got that wrist taped up, but he looks ready for the US Open to me.”
But there was also significant doubt. “Oh we’re not coming back this year… Let’s try again in 2027,” one pessimistic fan commented. Another fan wrote, “I can see why they pulled out of Cincy. He’s not ready yet.” A more detailed critique read: “Look at that wrapping on the arm and wrist. Look at the tentative third forehand swing, not to mention the clunky backhand. I don’t see how he plays the US Open.”
Analyzing the Footage
Experts who reviewed the footage noted that Alcaraz’s strokes looked relatively fluid, but the compression sleeve is a clear indication that he is still protecting the wrist. In particular, his forehand swings appeared to be slightly abbreviated on some shots, which could suggest a lack of full confidence in his wrist extension. The backhand also looked a bit stiff, though that could be attributed to the early stage of his hitting session.
It is common for players to wear compression sleeves or strapping during recovery, even when they are close to 100 percent. However, the fact that Alcaraz is not playing competitive matches in the lead-up to the US Open is a concern. Tennis is a sport that requires sharp match rhythm, especially in the best-of-five-set format of a Grand Slam.
Alcaraz’s Career Milestones
Alcaraz has already accomplished a great deal in his young career. He has won four Grand Slam titles, including the 2022 US Open, the 2023 Wimbledon, the 2024 French Open, and the 2025 Australian Open. He has also claimed multiple Masters 1000 titles and has been ranked as high as number one in the world. Known for his explosive power, deft touch, and relentless energy, Alcaraz is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players of his generation.
His playing style is built on an aggressive baseline game, with a heavy forehand and a solid serve. He also possesses excellent court coverage and is not afraid to come to the net. These attributes have made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent on all surfaces. A fully fit Alcaraz is arguably the best player in the world, which is why his injury woes have been so frustrating for him and his supporters.
What a US Open Appearance Would Mean
If Alcaraz does play in the US Open, he would be among the top seeds and a strong favorite to win. The hard courts at Flushing Meadows have historically suited his game, and his 2022 title there remains one of his proudest achievements. However, entering the tournament without any competitive matches since his withdrawal from Madrid could prove to be a disadvantage. Many players prefer to have at least a few matches under their belts before a major, as this helps them acclimate to the speed of the courts and the intensity of high-stakes play.
Additionally, the US Open is physically demanding. Five-set matches can take more than four hours, and the summer heat in New York adds another layer of difficulty. Alcaraz’s team will need to be certain that his wrist can withstand the rigors of seven matches over two weeks. A premature return could risk aggravating the injury and leading to a longer absence.
Historical Precedents of Comeback Struggles
Tennis history is full of players who made swift returns from wrist injuries, but also those who suffered setbacks. For example, Juan Martín del Potro, a close friend of Alcaraz, battled wrist problems for years, and they ultimately derailed his career. On the other hand, players like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have successfully returned from wrist issues to win major titles, though they took considerable time to fully recover. These cases highlight the unpredictability of wrist injuries, which can be particularly tricky for tennis players due to the rotational stress placed on the joints during every shot.
In Alcaraz’s case, the decision to withdraw from Cincinnati could be interpreted as a sign that he is not yet ready to compete. But it could also be a smart precaution. By staying out of one tournament, he gives himself extra days of rest and rehabilitation. The true test will come when he steps onto the practice court and tests his wrist with full-intensity serves and forehands.
Fan Optimism and Caution
The debate among fans reflects a broader uncertainty within the tennis world. For every supporter who believes Alcaraz is close to full fitness, there is another who fears the worst. Social media has become a battleground for these opinions, with fans dissecting every frame of training videos and analyzing the body language of players.
“It doesn’t look to me like he’s had any injury setbacks… I think all they want to do is make sure he’s ready to handle 5 setters if he does come back at USO,” said a post that summed up the positive views. This sentiment suggests that Alcaraz might be skipping Cincinnati not because he is injured, but because he wants to be extra careful before playing a best-of-five event.
Other fans remain skeptical. They note that Alcaraz’s practice session appeared to be at a moderate pace, with limited lateral movement. One critic pointed out that he seemed to be “tentative” on some shots, which is often a tell-tale sign of a player protecting an injury. Only Alcaraz and his medical team know the truth, but that does not stop fans and analysts from speculating.
The Bigger Picture
Regardless of whether Alcaraz plays in the US Open, his long-term health is paramount. He is still young, and his career has the potential to be one of the greatest in the history of the sport. Rushing back too soon could lead to chronic problems. Many observers believe that Alcaraz’s team is taking a cautious approach with an eye on the rest of his career.
The tennis world is eager to see Alcaraz back on the court. His charisma, athleticism, and fighting spirit have made him one of the most popular players on the ATP Tour. He has transcended the sport, attracting mainstream attention and inspiring young players around the globe. Any tournament without Alcaraz feels a little less exciting.
Looking Ahead to New York
The official entry list for the US Open is expected to be released soon, and all eyes will be on Alcaraz’s name. If he is listed, it will confirm that he intends to play, but that will not erase all doubts. In fact, some players have withdrawn from majors at the last minute after trying to play through pain. The final decision will likely come down to how his wrist responds to high-intensity practice sessions in the coming days.
Alcaraz’s coaching team has remained tight-lipped about his condition, only saying that he is undergoing daily treatment and following a rehabilitation plan. They have also stressed that the Australian Open title this year was a reminder of what he can do when he is healthy.
Fans will continue to analyze every video and update, looking for clues about his readiness. But ultimately, only the Spanish sensation and his team know if he will be able to make his return at the US Open. Whether they think he will or not, all tennis fans will want to see him on the court.
Source:MSN News