Carlos Alcaraz ended his U.S. Open practice early on Saturday after twisting his right ankle but said he’s not worried about it affecting his participation in the tournament.
“I think it is OK. I just stopped my practice just for precaution,” said the 21-year-old from Spain, who won the U.S. Open in 2022 and has four Grand Slam titles. “I didn’t feel comfortable enough to keep practicing, just in case if everything is going to be worse.”
Alcaraz is not concerned that this injury will prevent him from playing in the U.S. Open. He was more upset about missing practice time as he prepares to try for his third consecutive Grand Slam title after winning the French Open in June and Wimbledon in July.
“I don’t want to stop any practice. I want to practice, I want to get better, I want to get ready for the tournament,” he said, adding: “I’m sure that tomorrow, or in two days, I’m going to be at 100%, for sure.”
The third-seeded Alcaraz is set to play his first-round match on Tuesday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium against 188th-ranked Australian Li Tu, who is playing just his second Grand Slam match.
Alcaraz’s preparation hasn’t been ideal. He played only one hard-court match before the U.S. Open, losing to Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Open, during which he broke his racket in frustration, an act he later apologized for on social media.
Despite the lack of hard-court practice, Alcaraz is not too worried, though he would have preferred more practice before arriving in New York.
