‘That’s His Moneymaker’ – Steve Johnson Weighs In on Carlos Alcaraz’s Return After Cincinnati Withdrawal

Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open has raised serious questions about his readiness for the fast-approaching US Open. Sidelined for over three months due to a right wrist injury, the Spaniard now faces a massive challenge of playing a best-of-five tournament without a single hard-court warmup match. On a recent Tennis Channel broadcast, former pro Steve Johnson gave his take on Alcaraz’s situation.

Steve Johnson Makes Feelings Clear on Carlos Alcaraz’s Potential US Open Return

During a segment on Tennis Channel, host Steve Weissman asked a critical question of the former American pro-turned-analyst about the reality of Alcaraz’s cold return, expecting him to play at the US Open: “As a player, would you advise coming back to play three-out-of-five in your first match after months?”

For most athletes, being sidelined for months and coming back on a Grand Slam could be a recipe for disaster. However, Johnson believes Alcaraz operates on an entirely different level.

“For the common man, no, but if you’re Carlos Alcaraz, you can do whatever you want,” Johnson said. “If there’s somebody that could do it, I believe it’s him.”

While the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s experience and talent give him the edge, Johnson also warned that the Spaniard must be careful about his right wrist. “But you just gotta be super smart, because that’s his moneymaker: that right wrist, that forehand, that serve, the power that he can generate,” he added.

For fans eagerly awaiting the reigning US Open champion’s return, Johnson also gave a reality check: “Unless he is 100% healthy and feels that he can finish the tournament, seven matches, best three out of five, then he shouldn’t play.”

Alcaraz and his team have been very cautious to avoid a premature return. After being sidelined with tenosynovitis since sustaining the injury at the Barcelona Open in April, the 23-year-old has prioritized his long-term health. His choice to extend his hiatus by skipping the Cincinnati Masters, which begins on August 13, also reflects that concern.

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In the last few months, he has consistently updated his fans on social media with training videos. The latest ones showed the former World No. 1 hitting forehands in full power.

The US Open starts on August 30, and if Alcaraz plans to hit the courts in New York, he has three more weeks to prepare.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.