Andy Roddick has interpreted Carlos Alcaraz’s choice to enter the US Open as a strong indication that the Spaniard is not expected to aggravate his wrist problem.

The 23-year-old has been out since mid-April because of the injury, and his long spell away from competition led many to doubt whether he would be ready in time for the final Grand Slam of the season. That view only intensified after he pulled out of the Cincinnati Masters. Then, on Thursday, Alcaraz surprised the tennis world by posting, “Here we go!”, along with an American flag emoji.

For some observers, returning immediately to best-of-five-set matches is a significant gamble for the seven-time major champion. Roddick, however, argued that the decision itself points to confidence behind the scenes. The former world No 1 said Alcaraz and his team would not have made the call unless they believed the risk of a setback in New York was very small.

Speaking on the latest episode of Served, Roddick called the development welcome news for the sport and said he was thrilled to see tennis’ “most exciting player” nearing a comeback. He also suggested that Alcaraz could use the mixed doubles event as a tune-up before the singles draw begins.

Roddick went further, predicting that if Alcaraz does take part in mixed doubles, he could partner 23-time major winner Serena Williams. Alcaraz is not currently on the entry list, though a late addition would not be out of the question.

The American also said it would be a “nightmare” if both Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner missed the US Open, with Sinner having withdrawn from Cincinnati because of a knee issue. The mixed doubles event runs from 24-26 August, while the US Open itself is scheduled for 30 August to 13 September.

On Served, Roddick said, “[This is a] Good day for tennis. I am so happily surprised and my suspicions are wrong and I’m thrilled about it. Tennis’ most exciting player.

“We don’t know what we’re going to get. A lot of the time he pulls shots out of nowhere. I think for him to play this, I have to think the risk of further injury is next to nothing. It seems like he’s happy to accept that.

“Hey, listen, maybe my legs will be tired. Maybe I haven’t played any match reps. I might lose first or second round. I might get [Botic] van de Zandschulp’d (who beat Alcaraz in straight sets at the 2024 US Open).

“This is such a win for tennis. I think he should play mixed doubles if his risk is okay.”

The debate over Grand Slam prize money has been one of the defining tennis issues of 2026, with leading players on the ATP and WTA Tours pressing for a fairer split across the sport.

That pressure has already been visible this season. At Roland Garros, the top players staged a media boycott in support of their calls for better distribution. A similar action was discussed for Wimbledon before being abandoned at the last moment, leaving the US Open as the next major checkpoint in the wider dispute.

The American major has now responded with a landmark announcement. The 2026 US Open will pay out $108 million, a tournament record and a 20% rise on the 2025 total, which had itself set a new benchmark.

New USTA CEO Craig Tiley, who previously worked at the Australian Open said, “This is a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes as the US Open continues to be the best economic opportunity for players and the most valuable platform in tennis for players, fans and partners.

“We are proud to deliver record-setting prize money and expanded player benefits as well as providing a new platform to work together with players.”

The tournament has also unveiled a Player Support Programme and a Grand Slam Player Council. The support programme begins with a $2 million commitment in 2026, split equally between men and women, and is designed in a way that closely resembles the pension-like fund players have been seeking.

The new council is intended to improve communication between players and organisers, with the aim of reducing the tension that has marked parts of the 2026 season.

In a statement, Brian Vahaly, Chairman of the Board and President of the USTA. said: “The US Open has a long history of listening to players, and this player support program and Council builds on that commitment.

“We look forward to working directly with players to better understand the opportunities and challenges they face, and to continue finding meaningful ways to support them both on and off the court.”

Players have not yet said whether they will protest at the US Open, but the latest steps point toward a more constructive relationship.

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alex Eala will make their US Open Mixed Doubles debut after receiving a wildcard into the event.

Neither player took part in the inaugural edition last year, but this pairing is expected to draw significant attention in 2026. Much of that interest comes from Eala, whose profile has risen sharply over the past few months.

The Filipina has become one of the standout names on the North American hardcourt swing. She won the Washington Open title and later drew sellout crowds in Toronto and Cincinnati, underlining the momentum behind her recent run.

That growing appeal has now carried into the US Open, where she has been added to the mixed doubles field and also scheduled for an exhibition match with Iva Jovic during the tournament’s opening week.

Speaking to The Tennis Channel about her his partnership with Eala came about, Auger-Aliassime said: “Well, same agency and then I think the people in our teams kind of talked and made that happen.

“But yeah, it’s a great opportunity because obviously I didn’t play last year, but this time around to kind of feel what it’s like to have the Eala effect and fan base behind me. It’s going to be it’s going to be funny because she’s younger than me, but she has a fan base, right? Like she’s carrying the the crowd. So, it’s going to be interesting.”

The Canadian said the extra event fits well with the demands of the ATP Tour, because it keeps him in a competitive rhythm before the final Grand Slam of the season.

“But, you know what it is? I think what’s great is it keeps you in that competitive mindset,” said the Canadian.

“It’s so different when you’re kind of relaxed and you’re training and doing appearances and sponsor stuff, like it’s different than being out there on the court when somebody wants to beat you, right? Like that that competitive thing when you’re out there in the arena.

“So to stay in touch with that during the week with the mixed doubles, that is also not as much pressure as the singles court, I think is a great thing. And everybody’s playing the part, everybody’s being super competitive, so I think I’m going to love it out there.”

Auger-Aliassime is still at the Cincinnati Open, where he has beaten Juan Manuel Cerundolo and now faces Frances Tiafoe in the third round. Eala, meanwhile, lost in the third round to Amanda Anisimova and will have more time to prepare for New York.

The 21-year-old also arrives with encouraging memories from the US Open. In 2025, she recorded her first major singles win at the event, beating Clara Tauson in the opening round to reach the second round of a Grand Slam for the first time in her career.