Jannik Sinner Responds to Carlos Alcaraz’s Return from Monte Carlo
Jannik Sinner’s participation in the U.S. Open is still far from certain, but it has his fans—and tennis fans in general—dreaming, especially considering that Carlos Alcaraz has announced his return specifically for the tournament in New York. The South Tyrolean, however, is still dealing with the aftereffects of the knee injury that has kept him off the court since July 12. There are positive signs, however, coming from Monte Carlo, where the No. 1 player in the ATP rankings reportedly spent the last two days training without any major issues. Thursday—the day his Spanish friend-and-rival made his announcement—marked his third day of training. Hopefully, this marks an important step in his buildup to Flushing Meadows.
Alcaraz’s announcement came via a brief social media video message, direct and unequivocal: “Estoy de vuelta! Here We Go,” declared the champion from Murcia, with an equally explicit caption confirming his return to the ATP Tour at the US Open, after a four-month hiatus due to a right wrist injury sustained in April at the ATP 500 tournament in Barcelona. The announcement surprised many, considering that just a few days ago, Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer had chosen not to call him up for the match against Chile, preferring to rely on other players. That decision had further fueled doubts about the Spaniard’s physical condition.
As for Sinner, his recovery process has followed well-defined stages. Before moving to Monte Carlo, the South Tyrolean had stopped in Turin, where he underwent a series of tests and specific therapies at J-Medical, Juventus’ facility, and then continued with training sessions on the indoor courts of the Circolo della Stampa Sporting. A controlled environment, away from prying eyes, allowed him to test his knee’s response following treatment. Only then did the world No. 1 return to the Principality to continue working with his staff.
His potential absence in New York would carry enormous statistical weight: Sinner has competed in 27 consecutive Grand Slams since 2019, winning five titles during that time: the Australian Open in 2024 and 2025, Wimbledon in 2025 and 2026, and the U.S. Open in 2024. At Flushing Meadows, the Italian aims to become the first player to win the tournament without having played in either Montreal or Cincinnati—a feat no one has ever achieved.
In recent days, Dr. Giovanni Di Giacomo, an internationally renowned specialist and former team doctor for the BNL Italian Open and the ATP Finals, helped clarify the Italian player’s condition: “Jannik is being treated by an exceptional team of doctors. If his colleagues deemed it appropriate to reduce the strain on his knee, it means he has an overuse syndrome, which many other athletes have also experienced in the past. And rest—aside from shockwave therapy, physical therapy, and medication—is always the best treatment.” Di Giacomo, however, said he was confident Sinner would be in New York: “I assume they preferred not to risk Cincinnati, so they could arrive in top condition in America, where I’m pretty sure he’ll go.”
If his training sessions in Monte Carlo continue to yield positive results, Sinner could leave for New York as early as this weekend, giving him a few days to acclimate to the climate and surfaces at Flushing Meadows before the tournament begins on August 30. This is a carefully planned strategy aimed at not rushing things but leaving the door open for a return that is as long-awaited as it is well-considered. Now that Alcaraz has made his move, the pressure on Sinner to officially confirm his participation is bound to increase even further.
