Carlos Alcaraz says uncertainty over his return from a wrist injury caused intrusive thoughts during his lengthy singles absence. The seven-time major champion is now preparing to defend his US Open title, with his fitness likely to face an immediate test after limited competitive preparation.

The 23-year-old Spaniard has not played singles since losing his opening match at the Barcelona Open on 13 April and will face Russia’s Roman Safiullin in New York. Alcaraz, seeded second and a two-time US Open champion, is believed to have been managing wrist tenosynovitis and continues to wear a compression sleeve; despite the risk associated with wrist injuries in tennis, he says he and his team believe he is ready for five-set matches.