Mouratoglou Explains Carlos Alcaraz’s Comeback Plan

 

Reasons to Be Optimistic”: Mouratoglou Explains Alcaraz’s Comeback Plan

Carlos Alcaraz’s return to competitive tennis is getting closer, but the Spaniard’s comeback remains a carefully managed process following his wrist injury. Patrick Mouratoglou believes there are “good reasons to be optimistic” about Alcaraz’s recovery, despite concerns over his limited preparation.

Alcaraz has been sidelined since April and recently withdrew from the Cincinnati Open, choosing to spend more time preparing rather than rushing back into competition. He has since increased the intensity of his training sessions, with videos showing him hitting the ball at a high level.

Mouratoglou explained that Alcaraz’s decision to skip Cincinnati does not necessarily mean he will miss the US Open. Instead, the coach believes the Spaniard and his team are following a cautious plan designed to make sure his wrist and body are ready for the demands of Grand Slam competition.

“There are good reasons to be optimistic,” Mouratoglou said, pointing to Alcaraz’s intense practice sessions. However, he also warned that returning after a long injury layoff is not simply about being able to hit the ball. The body needs time to adapt to repeated high-intensity training and competitive pressure.

US Open Return Still the Target

The 2026 US Open begins on August 31, and Alcaraz remains on the entry list as he looks to defend his title. However, his participation has not yet been officially confirmed. His withdrawal from Cincinnati has increased the uncertainty surrounding his comeback.

Mouratoglou also highlighted serving as an important part of Alcaraz’s preparation because the wrist is placed under significant stress during a full-power serve. For that reason, the Spaniard's team is expected to increase his workload gradually rather than immediately pushing him to maximum intensity.

For now, the US Open appears to be Alcaraz’s potential return point, but the final decision will depend on how his wrist responds to training in the coming days. With his preparation improving, Mouratoglou’s message remains positive—but cautious.