Alcaraz battles mental hurdles ahead of US Open return

Alcaraz's road back to competitive tennis has been complicated by the psychological toll of an extended absence from the court. The world-ranked player acknowledged that the lack of clarity around his return timeline and fitness levels weighed heavily on his mental state, contributing to unwanted negative thoughts during his rehabilitation period.

The Spaniard's participation in the US Open comes at a critical juncture in his season as he attempts to regain full match sharpness. With limited preparation matches ahead of the Grand Slam tournament, Alcaraz faces the dual challenge of recovering physical form while managing the mental demands of top-level professional tennis.

Despite the obstacles, Alcaraz arrives in New York as a genuine contender for the title. His previous success at Flushing Meadows and proven track record at major championships position him as one of the tournament's favourites, even if his recent match practice remains below ideal levels.

The youngster's openness about his mental health struggles reflects a broader conversation within professional sport about the psychological dimensions of athletic performance and injury recovery. As Alcaraz seeks to navigate both the physical and mental aspects of his comeback, his performance at the US Open will likely set the tone for the remainder of his season.