Dani Merida delivers honest Carlos Alcaraz verdict after training with him ahead of US Open

Thursday, 27 August 2026 at 20:13

Carlos Alcaraz will finally return to competitive singles action at the US Open after almost five months away from the tour, with Dani Merida providing an intriguing assessment of the Spaniard after sharing the court with him in New York. The second seed will begin his title defense against Roman Safiullin, but his lack of competitive matches has created questions ahead of his return.

Alcaraz has not played a competitive singles match since suffering the wrist injury that kept him out of the North American hard-court swing. His only competitive appearance ahead of the US Open came in mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams, with the star pairing reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli. The US Open will therefore represent his first serious singles test since his lengthy absence.

The Spaniard has used training sessions in New York to build some rhythm before beginning his title defense, including a practice set against fellow Spaniard Merida on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Merida won that set 7-5, giving him a close look at Alcaraz just days before the tournament begins.

The session was particularly relevant because Merida arrives in New York in excellent form himself. The 22-year-old started the season ranked No. 163 but has climbed into the world's top 40 after a breakthrough campaign that included his first ATP title in Umag. He will make his US Open debut against Marton Fucsovics, while Alcaraz prepares for Safiullin.

Merida believes Alcaraz will find his level

Speaking to Marca, Merida explained how the practice session came together after Alcaraz's team confirmed his participation in New York.

“Samuel López spoke with my coach. When we found out that Carlos was definitely coming to play, we tried to get a practice session with him," Merida said. "In the end, he is a great player and you always want to train with these kinds of players at these types of tournaments."

"I was really happy to have shared the court with him on the central court of the US Open. I would say it was an incredible experience.”

Carlos Alcaraz!!! pic.twitter.com/0ajGXNCuwC
— Kat (@idontmindk) August 24, 2026

Merida was then asked about the quality of the set he won 7-5 and acknowledged the effect of Alcaraz's lengthy competitive absence.

“Yes, it was a good set. Carlos is playing well, but obviously after four months without competing you notice it a little. I felt very good and was playing with confidence,” Merida said.

However, the Spaniard was highly positive about Alcaraz's overall level and suggested that the main challenge now is recovering rhythm and confidence in his wrist. “Alcaraz has a very high level of tennis. Once he gets a little rhythm, plays a few matches and loses the fear he has with his wrist, we will see him at the same level we have always seen him at."

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That will now be tested immediately. Alcaraz has not had a traditional hard-court tournament to prepare for the US Open and will instead have to build his match rhythm inside the tournament itself. His mixed doubles campaign with Williams gave him some competitive exposure, but the demands of singles, particularly best-of-five-set matches, will be significantly greater.

Merida also believes the rise of fellow Spaniard Rafael Jodar has helped him develop greater belief in his own possibilities. Jodar has made a rapid breakthrough on the ATP Tour this season, becoming another young Spanish player making his presence felt at the highest level.

“Seeing what Rafa (Jodar) is doing in tournaments motivates me to believe in myself, to grow and to try to motivate myself in the way he is doing. And I feel the same about Martin (Landaluce),” Merida added.

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For Alcaraz, the priority will now be to turn the promising signs from his New York training into competitive form. The second seed knows exactly what is required to win in Flushing Meadows after lifting the trophy last year, but this time he will have to do it without the usual build-up of hard-court matches.

Merida's assessment provides some encouragement: the quality of Alcaraz's tennis remains high, while the biggest question appears to be how quickly he can recover his competitive rhythm and fully trust his wrist once the pressure of the US Open begins.

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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