US Open 2026 draws focus as Carlos Alcaraz recovery and Italian qualifiers unfold

Spanish world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz is still recovering from a serious wrist injury that has kept him out for nearly four months, causing him to miss Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the Cincinnati Masters. Sources say he has regained about 55% of his optimal condition and aims to reach 85‑90% before returning to competition. Alcaraz has reportedly asked for a wild‑card entry to the ATP 250 event in Winston‑Salem (22‑29 August) as a final preparation before the US Open, scheduled for 30 August‑13 September at Flushing Meadows.

The US Open qualifying tournament (24‑28 August) will feature a record 17 Italian players, including men Lorenzo Musetti, Flavio Cobolli, Matteo Berrettini, Matteo Arnaldi, Luciano Darderi, Lorenzo Sonego and Mattia Bellucci, and women Jasmine Paolini and Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the main draw. The qualifiers also list a host of Italian hopefuls such as Andrea Pellegrino, Stefano Travaglia and Lucia Bronzetti. Jannik Sinner will defend his title, while other top internationals like Grigor Dimitrov and Jack Draper are also in the qualifying field.