Carlos Alcaraz's race against time to be ready for the US Open has taken another turn after former Spanish Top 10 star Emilio Sanchez questioned whether his compatriot has enough time to return to his best level.
Alcaraz has already withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open as he continues his recovery from the wrist injury that has kept him away from competition. Recent training footage from Murcia has offered encouraging signs, but the Spaniard still has no confirmed return date ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season.
Sanchez, who reached a career-high No. 7 in singles, believes Alcaraz faces a particularly difficult challenge because returning to the practice court is very different from being ready for the demands of a Grand Slam. The former Top 10 player has revealed that Alcaraz was still training at only 50% last week, leaving little time to reach full intensity before New York.
The US Open champion has continued increasing his workload, including a recent session alongside Lithuanian Vilius Gaubas, currently ranked No. 123 in the ATP rankings. The sessions are designed to gradually restore his competitive rhythm, but Alcaraz still faces a major decision over whether that progression will be enough to defend his title.
Former Top 10 Spaniard raises doubts over Alcaraz's comeback
Sanchez, who won 15 singles titles and 50 doubles titles during a career that also included three Grand Slam doubles titles, believes the five-set format makes the US Open a particularly difficult target for a player returning from a lengthy injury absence.
"I know that last week he trained at 50%," he said to Sky Sports Italy. "He now has two weeks left. If he manages to get back to 100%, we might see him play, but I don't think he has enough time."
Los fines de semana también se trabaja..
— álvaro (@ALVAR0SANCHEZ) August 15, 2026
Sábado de entrenamiento en casa para Carlos Alcaraz, que continúa favorablemente con su puesta a punto
🚀🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/t4ufpEx5ZX
The former world No. 7 also pointed to the difference between returning at a regular ATP event and attempting a deep run at a Grand Slam. "If it were a regular tournament, he would have more chances, but at the US Open, you have to play seven matches in best-of-five sets, against players in top form. Maybe he should wait until autumn."
That possibility would completely change Alcaraz's post-summer schedule. The Laver Cup in London, from September 25-27, could become a more realistic target if the Spaniard decides that rushing back for the US Open carries too much risk. The team event would also offer a less demanding competitive environment in which to rebuild his match rhythm against elite opposition.
Davis Cup presents another complication. Spain is due to travel to Chile immediately after the US Open, with the tie scheduled on clay in Santiago and the altitude adding another physical variable. Even if Alcaraz returns in New York, making another long-distance trip and switching surfaces immediately afterward would be a demanding proposition during his recovery.
That makes it increasingly difficult to see Alcaraz featuring in Davis Cup the following week. Spain would still have strong options, with Rafael Jodar, Martin Landaluce and Daniel Merida among the younger compatriots who could take responsibility for leading the team toward another Davis Cup Finals qualification.
For now, however, the priority remains New York. Alcaraz continues to work in Murcia and is gradually increasing the intensity of his sessions, but the key question is no longer simply whether he can train. It is whether he can become physically and competitively ready for the seven-match test that awaits at the US Open.
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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