US Open

Carlos Alcaraz quells injury concerns after cutting practice short ahead of 2024 US Open

The 2022 champion assured the ankle injury was not serious and he would be prepared to play his first round against Li Tu on Tuesday.

ByDavid Kane

Published Aug 24, 2024

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NEW YORK—Carlos Alcaraz quelled concerns surrounding his health and fitness ahead of the 2024 US Open after he reportedly cut a practice short due on Saturday to an acute ankle injury.

“I just stop my practice just for precaution,” he explained to open his Media Day press conference. “I didn't feel comfortable enough to keep practicing just in case if everything is going to be worse. But, you know, after a few hours later, I’m still feeling good, you know, my feet, so tomorrow I will try to be practicing again 100% without thinking about it, but today I'll take care about it.”

Alcaraz was practicing with fellow ATP pro Francisco Cerundolo, and was more disappointed on Cerundolo’s behalf than concerned for himself.

Alcaraz is looking to win a third straight major title at the US Open, having won both Roland Garros and Wimbledon earlier this season.

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“I wasn't worried at all for my US Open participation. Obviously, I was angry because I don't want to stop the practice, just to respect Cerundolo, as well.

“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. But honestly with the ankle, I wasn't worried about that. So, I'm sure that, you know, tomorrow or in two days I'm going to be at my 100%, for sure. It's about time.”

The 2022 champion was later seen on court for Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day, and was otherwise in good spirits throughout his press conference later that afternoon.

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Alcaraz has won the last two major tournaments at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, and won a silver medal at the Summer Olympic Games in Paris. Playing only his second match since the Olympics, the No. 3 seed will open against Australian qualifier Li Tu on Tuesday.

“Obviously, I would have loved to have more matches on my belt on hard court before the US Open. But, I mean, it doesn't affect me at all. If I look back a little bit, you know, for example, facing the Roland Garros, I hadn't too much matches on clay, and it was a pretty good result. And then in Wimbledon, same thing, you know.

“So, I don't want to think that it's going to be the same, you know, than the previous two Grand Slams, but I'm not worried about not having too many matches on hard court.”

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