Carlos Alcaraz returns from a nearly five-month injury layoff for his U.S. Open title defence with little match practice but no shortage of expectations as the flamboyant Spaniard bids to win his third title in New York. Few modern players have lit up the sport quite like Alcaraz, whose blend of flair and fearless shot-making helped him become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam when he won his seventh major crown at this year’s Australian Open.
Alcaraz turned 23 a few months after his Melbourne triumph, but the momentum from that historic achievement was abruptly halted when he pulled midway through the Barcelona Open in April due to an injury, and his absence has been keenly felt since. Having missed most of the clay season, the French Open, Wimbledon and North American hard-court tournaments, Alcaraz returns to a sport that has been waiting for one of its top attractions, noted renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou. Alcaraz’s 24-3 win-loss record in New York underlines an affinity with the event and offers further reason for optimism, and former U.S.
Open champion Andy Roddick said the rusty world No. 3 appeared willing to embrace the uncertainty. For him to play this, I have to think the risk of further injury is next to nothing. Maybe I haven’t played any match reps.
I might lose first or second round ... but I’m going to go.’ “This is great, it’s such a win for tennis.” Videos of Alcaraz’s training sessions have hinted at a man eager to make up for lost time, even if the true measure of his readiness will come under the lights in New York.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
