‘Don’t Think He’s Thinking About Jannik Sinner Being Injured’ – Rusedski Weighs In on Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open ‘Risk’

Carlos Alcaraz has announced his return at the 2026 US Open after four months out with a right wrist injury. A day later, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament with a knee injury, marking only the second time a World No. 1 has missed the final Grand Slam of the year. Former pro Greg Rusedski has shared his thoughts on both developments while also raising concerns about Alcaraz’s physical readiness.

Rusedski Weighs In on Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open Return Amid Jannik Sinner’s Injury

Before the injury, Alcaraz was enjoying a brilliant 2026 season. He became the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open and then added another hard-court title in Doha.

However, his season changed in April at the Barcelona Open. After beating Otto Virtanen in his opening match, Alcaraz was diagnosed with a right wrist injury and withdrew before facing Tomáš Macháč in the third round.

The injury forced him to miss the Madrid and Rome Masters, followed by the French Open, where he was the two-time defending champion. His recovery took longer than expected, also ruling him out of Wimbledon, the Canadian Open, and Cincinnati.

During Alcaraz’s absence, Sinner enjoyed a remarkable season. He won Masters 1000 titles in Madrid and Rome, completed a career Golden Masters, and successfully defended his Wimbledon title. He also set a new record with 34 consecutive Masters 1000 wins after beating Andrey Rublev in Rome.

“I don’t think he’s thinking about Jannik Sinner being injured because that would make no sense whatsoever,” Rusedski stated on the “Off Court With Greg Rusedski” podcast. “Because health is your wealth. He’s so young. He’s got at least another decade plus if he can stay healthy. So, it’s not because Sinner’s out that he’s rushing to come back.”

Even with Sinner officially out of the picture and removing a major title favorite from the draw, Rusedski believes that the men’s field is wide open and unpredictable. “Who knows? Maybe we’re going to get a new major winner this year again at the US Open,” Rusedski noted. “So, lots of question marks, but the excitement around this is going to be epic, isn’t it?”

Rusedski is also not convinced about Alcaraz jumping straight back into Grand Slam singles after four months out. He also suggested that disagreements over taking big physical risks may have played a part in Alcaraz’s split with Juan Carlos Ferrero last December.

MORE: Novak Djokovic Sends Bold US Open Warning Amid Jannik Sinner Withdrawal and Carlos Alcaraz Uncertainty

“I think it’s a huge risk. I would be very surprised if he plays in the singles,” Rusedski admitted. “You know, that’s why I think the relationship might have split with Juan Carlos Ferrero because I don’t think he would have allowed him to take this sort of risk if he’s not 100% right.”

The main draw in New York begins on August 30. Alcaraz could also play in the mixed doubles event the week before, with three wildcards still available.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.