Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz remains sidelined from competitive play due to a severe wrist injury, raising concerns about his ability to defend his US Open title.
The former world number one sustained the injury at the Barcelona Open in April, forcing him to withdraw from the French Open and Wimbledon.
Speculation is mounting that Alcaraz might skip the final Grand Slam of the year entirely to allow his wrist to heal completely, potentially delaying his return until the end of the season.
Recent footage showed Alcaraz engaging in light on-court training, but experts note that a return within eight weeks would require more intensive practice sessions to prepare for events in Canada or Cincinnati.
His camp has maintained strict privacy regarding the specific medical diagnosis to avoid informing opponents of his exact physical condition.
"Everything happens for a reason.
I believe it's fate, and that life has something special for me when I return, something beautiful," Alcaraz said.
He emphasized the vital support from his family, stating, "Now I realise that what really matters, my family, who have always been there to support me; they never forced me to play tennis but always gave me the choice."
Alexander Zverev recently claimed the French Open title following an early exit by Jannik Sinner and Alcaraz's absence, disrupting the duo's recent dominance of nine consecutive major titles.
Rising Talents to Watch
Former British No.1 Tim Henman highlighted several young players who could challenge the established top players.
Henman noted 17-year-old French player Kouame, who won two rounds at Roland Garros, as "someone to look out for."
"His age right now, there's so many talented players out there, but he's 17 years of age and to see his physicality, incredible athlete," Henman said.
Kouame became the first player born after 2008 to secure a Grand Slam match victory by defeating veteran Marin Cilic.
Henman also praised Kouame's personality, saying, "He's also got that personality, it seems that he loves the big stage, the way that he was orchestrating a crowd on Suzanne Lenglen's court...
was hugely impressive."
Other prospects include Czech Jakub Mensik, American lefty Learner Tien, and Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca.
Mensik, 20, made the semifinals at Roland Garros and is ranked 18th in the world. Henman described him as "a huge talent, a massive ball striker."
Of Tien, Henman said, "He's a lefty, a little bit smaller, doesn't quite have the physicality but he's amazingly talented at changing direction, he's got a great tennis IQ."
Fonseca, 19, defeated Novak Djokovic at Roland Garros after coming back from two sets down.
He advanced to the third round at Wimbledon, while Mensik and Tien lost to Grigor Dimitrov and Marton Fucsovics respectively.
"He's got a huge future and a massive following of Brazilian fans," Henman said of Fonseca.
Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic remain active in the tournament, having advanced to the third round after victories over Nuno Borges, Wu Yibing, and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
