{"id":2106888,"date":"2026-08-22T19:33:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-22T16:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2106888"},"modified":"2026-08-22T19:33:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-22T16:33:10","slug":"carlos-alcaraz-us-open-return-branded-a-publicity-stunt-as-shock-singles-withdrawal-predicted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2106888","title":{"rendered":"Carlos Alcaraz US Open return branded a \u2018publicity stunt\u2019 as shock singles withdrawal predicted"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"ps-article-content rounded-lg lg:mt-5 lg:border lg:border-card lg:bg-card lg:shadow-primary\">\n<header>\n<h1 class=\"py-4 text-xl font-normal text-title sm:text-2xl\">Carlos Alcaraz US Open return branded a \u2018publicity stunt\u2019 as shock singles withdrawal predicted<\/h1>\n<div class=\"my-2 flex items-center justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flex items-center\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/author\/oliver-paton\" class=\"text-sm font-normal !text-author\"><br \/>\n                            Oliver Paton                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <time class=\"ml-3 text-sm font-normal text-info md:ml-4\" datetime=\"22 Aug 2026 8:33 PM\" data-ps-date=\"22 Aug 2026 8:33 PM\" data-ps-datetime=\"1787427190\"><br \/>\n                            22 Aug 2026 8:33 PM                        <\/time>\n                    <\/div>\n<div class=\"hidden justify-end space-x-4 text-xl sm:flex sm:!opacity-100\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tennis365.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 hidden dark:block h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/preferred_source_badge_dark.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 dark:hidden h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/preferred_source_badge_light.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tennis-news\/carlos-alcaraz-us-open-return-branded-publicity-stunt-shock-singles-withdrawal-predicted\" class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" aria-label=\"Share to facebook\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-news%2Fcarlos-alcaraz-us-open-return-branded-publicity-stunt-shock-singles-withdrawal-predicted\" class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" aria-label=\"Share to twitter\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/shareArticle?mini=true&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-news%2Fcarlos-alcaraz-us-open-return-branded-publicity-stunt-shock-singles-withdrawal-predicted\" class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" aria-label=\"Share to linkedin\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/\/send\/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-news%2Fcarlos-alcaraz-us-open-return-branded-publicity-stunt-shock-singles-withdrawal-predicted\" aria-label=\"Share to whatsapp\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <a class=\"!text-info hover:!text-brand\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/share.flipboard.com\/bookmarklet\/popout?v=2&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tennis365.com%2Ftennis-news%2Fcarlos-alcaraz-us-open-return-branded-publicity-stunt-shock-singles-withdrawal-predicted\" aria-label=\"Share to flipboard\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n<div class=\"sm:hidden flex items-center space-x-5\">\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tennis365.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 hidden dark:block h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/preferred_source_badge_dark.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                            <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"mx-auto !my-0 dark:hidden h-6\" src=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/content\/themes\/tennis365-sportsui\/img\/png\/preferred_source_badge_light.png\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" width=\"76\" height=\"24\"><br \/>\n                        <\/a><br \/>\n                        <button id=\"t365-article-share-btn-hidden\" class=\"mr-2 hidden h-6 w-6 appearance-none border-none !text-share-icon outline-none hover:!text-share-icon-active sm:hidden\" data-title=\"Carlos Alcaraz US Open return branded a \u2018publicity stunt\u2019 as shock singles withdrawal predicted\"><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/button>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"-mx-3 sm:-mx-5 border-b border-page\"><\/div>\n<section>\n<div class=\"-mx-3 sm:-mx-5\">\n<figure class=\"aspect-h-9 aspect-w-16 relative\">\n                                        <img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1320\" height=\"742\" loading=\"eager\" class=\"w-full h-full object-cover object-center !my-0\" src=\"https:\/\/d2me2qg8dfiw8u.cloudfront.net\/content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/resizeplus_3E8HXBG-1320x742.jpg\" alt=\"Carlos Alcaraz\">                <\/figure><figcaption class=\"flex items-center space-x-3 border-b border-mobile-caption px-3 lg:border-caption\">\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"my-1.5 break-words !text-xs !text-content\">\n                                Carlos Alcaraz during his match in Barcelona                            <\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<div class=\"ciam-article-t365\"><!-- Article Start --><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/tag\/carlos-alcaraz\">Carlos Alcaraz<\/a> has been tipped to withdraw from singles action at the upcoming US Open by Greg Rusedski, despite seemingly confirming his participation.<\/p>\n<p>The Spaniard has been absent from professional tennis since April after suffering from lingering wrist discomfort.<\/p>\n<p>Alcaraz\u2019s last match came against Otto Virtanen in the first round of the Barcelona Open, a tournament from which he later withdrew.<\/p>\n<p>Shortly after undergoing tests, he then withdrew from the remainder of the clay-court season, as well as the grass-court events.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, he dropped an eye-watering 6130 ranking points and slipped well behind world No 1 Jannik Sinner, while also being leapfrogged by Alexander Zverev.<\/p>\n<p>However, despite having withdrawn from the Masters 1000 events in Toronto and Cincinnati, Alcaraz surprised many by announcing on social media that he would make his return at the US Open, which begins on August 30.<\/p>\n<p>Rusedski, a former world No 4, has cast doubt on such a return to singles action after more than four months away.<\/p>\n<h2>Latest Tennis News<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/atp-tour\/toni-nadal-reveals-key-advice-alexander-zverev-calls-rafael-jodar-best-generation\">Carlos Alcaraz &amp; Serena Williams confirmed to pair up for US Open mixed doubles<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.tennis365.com\/atp-tour\/jannik-sinner-warned-2026-season-could-end-early-after-us-open-withdrawal\">Toni Nadal reveals key advice he gave Alexander Zverev as he calls Rafael Jodar \u2018best of his generation\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u201cI mean, you have got to think, why would you start back with a wrist injury in three out of five sets?,\u201d said the Brit on the Off Court with Greg podcast.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would be very surprised if he plays in the singles, but he says \u2018I\u2019m back\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m surprised. You know, this is where it\u2019s questionable. That\u2019s why I think the relationship might have split with Juan Carlos Ferrero, because I don\u2019t think he would have allowed him to take this sort of risk if he\u2019s not 100% right.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hope he\u2019s healthy. I hope he\u2019s able to play the US Open. But I\u2019m not sure this is the smartest thing, unless it\u2019s just a publicity stunt.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s going to play. I think he says he\u2019s back, but I think he might just participate in the mixed doubles.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI would be shocked if he plays in the singles.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe has lost early when he hasn\u2019t played tournaments for a long time. It\u2019s one thing to practice. It\u2019s another thing to play an event.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s the biggest star in men\u2019s tennis. No question about it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s an amalgamation of the big three. It\u2019s Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal combined into one player, which is unheard of.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSo he is our biggest star in the sport, and we all want to see him back.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI\u2019d be very surprised [if he plays].\u201d<\/p>\n<p>In the week prior to the singles action, Alcaraz is also scheduled to participate in the mixed doubles event alongside 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.<\/p>\n<p>The pair will team up in the revamped 16-team draw from August 24-26, having partnered with Emma Raducanu last year.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe mixed doubles, no disrespect, but that\u2019s not a proper tennis event,\u201d he continued.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s half a court. That\u2019s a little bit of, you know, social giggle trying to win a major tournament, which is still very special, but it\u2019s not the same thing as playing singles where you have to cover the whole court.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou need to have that lead-up event.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf he was playing in Winston-Salem this week, I\u2019d say, okay, yeah, the US Open looks likely.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cBut I don\u2019t see that happening right now, and that\u2019s why I\u2019m just thinking this is maybe publicity.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe want him back, but we want him healthy for a decade.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe don\u2019t want him back for a week, and oh my gosh, he tweaks it somehow in a three-out-of-five set match in the second or third round. That would be the worst-case scenario.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><!-- Article End --><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Carlos Alcaraz US Open return branded a \u2018publicity stunt\u2019 as shock singles withdrawal predicted Oliver Paton 22 Aug 2026 8:33 PM Carlos Alcaraz during his match in Barcelona Carlos Alcaraz has been tipped to withdraw from singles action at the upcoming US Open by Greg Rusedski, despite seemingly confirming his participation. The Spaniard has been [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,249],"class_list":["post-2106888","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-tennis365-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2106888","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2106888"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2106888\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2106888"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2106888"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2106888"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}