Alcaraz reaches US Open last 16 after four-month layoff, plans more rest next season

Carlos Alcaraz, who missed four months of action due to a right wrist injury, has comfortably reached the round of 16 at the US Open. Last year's champion dropped just one set through his first three matches, then booked his spot in the last 16 with a convincing win over China's Yibing Wu.

The 23-year-old Spaniard said he was surprised by how his body responded after the long break, describing a feeling as if he had never stopped playing. He also noted being surprised by how quickly he recovers after each match.

Break not linked to overload

Alcaraz explained that his injury was not the result of overexertion, meaning the rest he plans to take next season is tied more to psychological rather than physical needs. He said he is a player who doesn't need to compete in a large number of tournaments, and that his instincts tell him it's fine to rest at times in order to be better prepared mentally for competition.

Last season, Alcaraz played 80 matches and won 71 of them. He said that constantly moving from one tournament to the next can leave a player feeling never quite fully prepared, which is why he intends to build in longer breaks before Grand Slams and Masters 1000 events going forward.

Alcaraz stressed that he wants stepping onto the court to remain something enjoyable, allowing him to have fun, since playing week after week can sometimes erode that feeling. He added that he wants to occasionally miss tennis and the tour, which is why he believes longer breaks are necessary — playing every single tournament throughout a full season, he said, is simply not sustainable.