Carlos Alcaraz Sharpens Form with Intense US Open Practice Match Against Khachanov

 Defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz ramped up his tournament preparations with a high-intensity practice session alongside World No. 8 Karen Khachanov at Flushing Meadows. The 23-year-old Spaniard hit with authority as he continues his comeback from a right wrist injury suffered at the Barcelona Open in April.

Having missed both the French Open and Wimbledon during his four-month recovery, Alcaraz has been focused on regaining competitive match rhythm ahead of his opening-round match against Roman Safiullin.

Key Highlights from the Practice Session

• Groundstroke Power: Onlookers praised Alcaraz’s fluid movement and explosive baseline play, showing no signs of hesitation on his forehand wing.

• Serve Work-in-Progress: While his stroke mechanics remain intact, Alcaraz is continuing to build peak power and consistency on his serve format.

• Fan Energy: Live streams of the session drew tens of thousands of viewers online, with stadium fans chanting for the World No. 2 as he steps back onto the hard courts of New York.

The Road Back to Singles Action

Alcaraz kicked off his return earlier in the week by entering the US Open mixed doubles draw alongside 23-time Grand Slam icon Serena Williams, reaching the quarterfinals before shifting full focus to singles.

Speaking to media members following his practice blocks, Alcaraz expressed confidence in his physical state:

"I've got to trust my people and my team when they tell me it's fine. I'm just going 100 percent and focusing on staying away from fear."