Carlos Alcaraz advanced comfortably through his opening match at the 2025 US Open, but questions are already surfacing about his fitness.
The Spaniard arrived in New York on the back of a title run in Cincinnati, where he lifted the trophy after Jannik Sinner retired just 20 minutes into their final. While it was Sinner’s health that seemed to be the main concern ahead of the season’s last Grand Slam, attention has now shifted to Alcaraz.
In his first-round match, the five-time Grand Slam champion dispatched Reilly Opelka 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. But the following day’s practice session raised eyebrows. Alcaraz appeared with his right wrist heavily taped and was overheard complaining about the bandage, asking for it to be adjusted.
Although this is not the first time he has practiced with protective taping, it’s hardly a reassuring sign—especially after dealing with Opelka’s massive serves in round one. His next test will come against left-hander Mattia Bellucci, a tricky opponent who is expected to engage Alcaraz in longer rallies.
Despite the visible concern, Alcaraz downplayed any injury talk in his post-match press conference. Instead, he praised his performance against Opelka and stressed the challenges of facing such a big server.
“It was really difficult to get a good rhythm. Such a tough opponent, big serve, he doesn’t let you go into rallies,” Alcaraz said. “I just tried to return well, play long points, and find my rhythm. It was a difficult first round, but I’m really happy with how I managed everything.”
The Spaniard added that he feels good physically and expects the second round to provide more opportunities to settle into baseline exchanges.
“Good return, good points from the baseline, good serve. I’ll practice to get more rhythm. The next round will have more rallies, more rhythm. Right now, I’m really happy with the way I’m feeling.”
Chasing No. 1
Beyond his fitness, Alcaraz is also in the hunt for the World No. 1 ranking. Entering the tournament, he trailed Sinner closely, and after the opening round, he already holds a slim 60-point lead in the live rankings. To finish the event as the top-ranked player, he must at least match the Italian’s result—or go further.
Still, Alcaraz insists he’s not focused on the rankings.
“No, I don’t think I’m putting pressure on him,” he explained. “I try not to think about the number one spot. I just want to go as far as I can, play my best tennis, and see what happens. Whoever does better here deserves the spot.”
For now, Alcaraz’s attention remains on his tennis, though the taped wrist will likely remain under close watch as the tournament progresses.
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