Carlos Alcaraz returns to training with Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev reunions on the horizon
ATPTuesday, 15 September 2026 at 04:30
Carlos Alcaraz is already back on the practice court as the world No. 3 begins preparing for the final stretch of the 2026 season. The Spaniard returned to training in Murcia this week after his US Open campaign ended in the quarterfinals, with the Laver Cup in London now his next competitive commitment.
Alcaraz's return to action in New York was already significant after almost five months away from competitive tennis because of a wrist injury. Although he was unable to defend his US Open title after losing a five-set battle to Ben Shelton, his performance provided encouraging signs about his physical condition heading into the closing months of the season.
The 2026 Laver Cup will give Alcaraz an immediate opportunity to reunite with both Shelton and Alexander Zverev. The American defeated him in New York before going on to reach his first Grand Slam final, while Zverev subsequently beat Shelton to win his second major title of the season. All three will now meet again in London, although this time on opposing sides of the competition.
There is also a different dynamic surrounding Alcaraz's final months of the year. With the Grand Slam season over and the world No. 1 battle effectively out of reach for 2026, his priority will be to remain healthy and competitive while chasing several significant titles still missing from his collection, including the Shanghai and Paris Masters and the ATP Finals.
.@carlosalcaraz ha regresado a los entrenamientos con la mirada puesta en la @LaverCup https://t.co/6hcSicVKmj
— joan solsona magri (@dimedemi) September 14, 2026
Alcaraz gets immediate rematch opportunity with Shelton
The US Open represented Alcaraz's first tournament since his return from injury, and the Spaniard managed to reach the quarterfinals despite his lengthy absence. His campaign ended against Shelton in one of the tournament's most dramatic matches, with the American winning a five-set battle that lasted more than four hours.
Shelton then carried that momentum through the rest of the tournament, beating Frances Tiafoe in the semifinals before facing Zverev in the championship match. The German eventually prevailed 6-3, 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-2 to claim his second Grand Slam title of 2026 after previously winning Roland Garros.
That creates an intriguing reunion in London. Alcaraz and Shelton will represent opposing teams at the Laver Cup, while Zverev will be alongside the Spaniard in Team Europe. The official lineups feature Alcaraz, Zverev, Flavio Cobolli, Jakub Mensik, Rafael Jodar and Casper Ruud for Europe, while Team World includes Shelton, Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, Alexander Bublik, Learner Tien and Tommy Paul.
The event will take place at The O2 from September 25 to 27, with Team Europe attempting to reclaim the trophy after Team World won the 2025 edition in San Francisco. For Alcaraz, it will also provide another chance to compete alongside Zverev, with the German returning after being part of Europe's winning teams in five previous editions.
Carlos Alcaraz's Laver Cup match record (2-8)
| Year | Type | Opponent | Result | Score |
| 2024 | Doubles | Taylor Fritz / Ben Shelton | L | 6–7(5–7), 4–6 |
| 2024 | Singles | Ben Shelton | W | 6–4, 6–4 |
| 2024 | Doubles | Ben Shelton / Frances Tiafoe | W | 6–2, 7–6(8–6) |
| 2024 | Singles | Taylor Fritz | W | 6–2, 7–5 |
| 2025 | Doubles | Taylor Fritz / Alex Michelsen | W | 7–6(9–7), 6–4 |
| 2025 | Singles | Taylor Fritz | L | 3–6, 2–6 |
| 2025 | Doubles | Alex Michelsen / Reilly Opelka | W | 7–6(7–4), 6–1 |
| 2025 | Singles | Francisco Cerúndolo | W | 6–2, 6–1 |
Alcaraz has bigger targets after Laver Cup
The Laver Cup does not award ATP Ranking points, making it a very different challenge from the tournaments that will follow. Alcaraz can therefore use the London weekend to rediscover competitive rhythm against elite opposition without the same ranking pressure that accompanies the remainder of his schedule.
After London, Alcaraz is expected to travel to Tokyo for the ATP 500 before turning his attention to the Shanghai Masters. He will then have the Paris Masters and ATP Finals still ahead of him, while the Six Kings Slam will also form part of his late-season schedule.
The Shanghai and Paris Masters are particularly notable because Alcaraz has yet to win either tournament. He has already collected six Masters 1000 titles across his career, leaving him with three of the nine events still missing from his trophy cabinet. Adding one or both during the final stretch would give his season a significant boost after the months lost to injury.
The ATP Finals also remain an important target for Alcaraz. His place in Turin is effectively secured, and the Spaniard will have another opportunity to win the prestigious season-ending tournament for the first time.
Read also
After missing Roland Garros and Wimbledon and spending much of the summer on the sidelines, simply reaching the end of the season healthy could be as important as any individual result.
For now, however, the focus is on London. Alcaraz has returned to the practice court in Murcia, and his next competitive chapter will see him share a court with the player who ended his US Open title defense while reuniting with the newly crowned champion who will be his teammate. The stakes may be lower, but the reunions should make the Laver Cup particularly compelling.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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