Alcaraz confident about U.S. Open despite ankle scare

NEW YORK: Carlos Alcaraz has reassured fans that he will be “at 100%” for the upcoming U.S. Open, despite a brief training halt on Saturday after twisting his ankle. The four-time Grand Slam champion decided to pause his session in New York with Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo as a precaution, concerned that continuing might worsen the injury.

Alcaraz has faced several injuries recently, including a similar ankle issue that forced him to withdraw from the Rio Open earlier this year. The incident on Saturday raised concerns about his readiness for the U.S. Open, but Alcaraz quickly dispelled any fears.

“I just stopped my practice for precaution. I didn’t feel comfortable enough to keep practising just in case if everything is going to be worse,” Alcaraz explained at a news conference. “A few hours later, I feel good, tomorrow I will try to be practising again without thinking about it.”

Alcaraz admitted to being frustrated by the disruption but emphasized that his participation in the tournament was never in doubt. “I wasn’t worried at all for my U.S. Open participation. Obviously I was angry because I don’t want to stop the practice, to respect Cerundolo, as well,” he added.