Tennis legend gives Carlos Alcaraz a strong warning after explaining a ‘unique’ US Open rule
Tennis legend Tim Henman has pointed out that a special rule at the US Open might make things tougher for Carlos Alcaraz, who’s just come back from an injury.
Alcaraz broke his wrist at the Barcelona Open in June, forcing him to quit the tournament after winning his first match. Since then, he’s missed several big events, including Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and big Masters tournaments in Madrid, Rome, Montreal, and Cincinnati.
Luckily, the 23-year-old made it back in time for the US Open and won his first-round match against Russia’s Roman Safiullin with scores of 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 earlier this week. Next up, he plays Portugal’s Jaime Faria in the second round on Thursday, aiming to win the US Open for the third time after his wins in 2022 and 2025.
Alcaraz showed he’s still got his top-level game, but he’s probably careful about his wrist and wants to avoid more injury. Playing with a wrist problem is tough, and the challenge is bigger at the US Open because men use a different, heavier ball than women.
Tim Henman explained that this rule is pretty unique. He said that men and women used to play with the same balls, but the women asked to switch back to a lighter ball they prefer.
Former pro Naomi Broady agreed and added that a heavier ball could cause problems for players like Alcaraz who are healing. She also said heavier balls make the game faster with shorter rallies, bigger serves, and fewer long exchanges, which is linked to the rise in wrist injuries on the men’s tour.
Despite wearing a compression sleeve on his right arm, Alcaraz’s famous forehand was strong and helped him get most of his 28 winners against Safiullin. After the match, he said he felt great and confident, especially since the world No.1 Jannik Sinner had to pull out with a knee issue.
“I felt great. From the inside, I was hitting normally and playing my style,” Alcaraz said.
His main goal now is to stay in good shape and avoid getting tired after such a long time away from competition.