Carlos Alcaraz and the U.S. Open’s Very Good Day

Defending U.S. Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, a seven-time major winner, has confirmed his participation in the 2026 U.S. Open, marking his return to competition after withdrawing from the ATP 500 Barcelona tournament in April with a persistent wrist injury that required months in a brace. Alcaraz has been training at full strength, including a four-hour session with Holger Rune on Spanish hard courts. The U.S. Open also announced an increase to its already significant prize money on the same day.