Alcaraz trains with Wawrinka before his Arthur Ashe return
Carlos Alcaraz held his final US Open practice session with Stan Wawrinka on Sunday before stepping back onto Arthur Ashe Stadium, where he defends his title Monday against Roman Safiullin after more than four months sidelined by a right wrist injury. The session marks the Spaniard's last hit before a singles return the tennis world has tracked for over 100 days.
Key Takeaways
- Alcaraz trained with Wawrinka in his last session before returning to Arthur Ashe, per ATP Tour reporting.
- His US Open singles comeback is set for Monday, August 31, on Arthur Ashe against world No. 98 Roman Safiullin.
- Alcaraz has not played singles since withdrawing on April 14 against Otto Virtanen in Barcelona.
- He warmed up in mixed doubles with Serena Williams on August 25, reaching the quarterfinals.
- US viewers can follow the Safiullin match live via Movistar Plus+ and AS.com coverage.
When does Alcaraz return to Arthur Ashe for competition?
Carlos Alcaraz's singles return lands on Monday, August 31, at the US Open. Diario AS reports he is scheduled in the second slot on Arthur Ashe Stadium, around 19:00 local time, immediately after Aryna Sabalenka faces Camila Osorio.
That timing places the defending champion back on the same court where he won his second US Open title last year. For a player whose last competitive singles match ended in a Barcelona withdrawal, the Arthur Ashe night session is the first real test of match fitness.
How long has Alcaraz been sidelined?
Alcaraz has waited more than 100 days—and roughly four and a half months—since his wrist forced him out of Barcelona. He last competed in singles on April 14, when he retired against Otto Virtanen in the second round at the Conde de Godó.
Extended absences from elite sport raise familiar recovery questions about tissue healing, load management, and mental readiness. That comeback arc is one reason long layoffs and return-to-play science sit at the center of our Longevity & Biohacking beat: the body must tolerate competition stress again after months away.
Who is Alcaraz's first-round opponent?
Roman Safiullin stands across the net. The Russian is ranked No. 98 and already holds a win over Alcaraz, taking a 6-3, 6-4 victory at the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000 in autumn 2023.
A first-round Grand Slam meeting after a long injury layoff is rarely a formality. Safiullin knows he can trouble Alcaraz on hard courts, which adds urgency to the Sunday training block with Wawrinka before Monday's Arthur Ashe walk-on.
What did Alcaraz's mixed doubles run show?
Before singles, Alcaraz tested match rhythm in mixed doubles. On Tuesday, August 25, he partnered Serena Williams and opened with a strong win over Lloyd Glasspool and Erin Routliffe.
The run ended in the quarterfinals against Flavio Cobolli and Belinda Bencic, but the appearances offered competitive reps in Flushing Meadows. For a player returning from wrist trauma, any live-point exposure before Arthur Ashe carries value.
Where can fans watch Alcaraz vs. Safiullin?
Diario AS lists Movistar Plus+ (no permanencia required) as the television option for the Safiullin match. The outlet also plans live coverage with pre-match build-up, point-by-point updates, highlights, and post-match reaction from its US Open team in New York.
For schedule details and broadcast options, see the full AS.com viewing guide. Primary reporting on the Wawrinka session is available from the ATP Tour.