Carlos Alcaraz has reappeared with a striking cornrow haircut as he eyes a US Open return after a wrist injury that kept him out of Roland Garros and Wimbledon; the look has reignited fan interest in his fitness and match readiness. Meanwhile, Ajla Tomljanovic has withdrawn from Flushing Meadows, handing a main-draw spot to Ella Seidel as she prioritizes recovery and a reset for 2027.
Carlos Alcaraz: style splash masks a serious fitness question ahead of US Open
Fans seized on Carlos Alcaraz’s new cornrow hairstyle, but the real storyline is his road back from a wrist problem that forced him to skip both the French Open and Wimbledon. The 23-year-old, fresh off an Australian Open title earlier in the tennis season, posted images that suggest he’s mentally refreshed — yet match sharpness and a fully healed wrist remain the priorities.
Where the injury sits and what to expect
Alcaraz’s wrist issue, first aggravated at the Barcelona event, has been managed cautiously. His absence from two Grand Slams reduced match volume and competitive rhythm, which matters more than style choices when grass or hard-court slams demand ball-striking precision.
If he arrives at Flushing Meadows close to 100 percent, Alcaraz is still one of the tournament’s most dangerous players thanks to his athleticism, variety and already-proven big-match temperament. The risk is clear: limited match play can expose timing problems on serve and return, and any residual wrist sensitivity would force tactical adjustments.
Why this matters for the US Open title picture
Alcaraz’s presence changes the draw dynamic immediately. Opponents prepare differently when a top power-and-movement player is in the field. For Alcaraz, the priorities are straightforward — secure baseline timing, test competitive pain thresholds in lead-up events, and avoid over-pressing in early rounds. A cautious, smart reintroduction would preserve his longer-term prospects more than a sprint for immediate glory.
Ajla Tomljanovic withdraws from US Open; Ella Seidel moves into main draw
Ajla Tomljanovic confirmed she will not play at the US Open, citing a season hampered by minor injuries and electing to end her year early to prepare for 2027. Her decision opens a main-draw berth for Germany’s Ella Seidel and removes a seasoned competitor from the Flushing Meadows field.
Context and implications for the women’s draw
Tomljanovic has shown she can produce headline performances — notably her win over Serena Williams at the 2022 US Open — but recurring niggles have curtailed momentum. Choosing to step away now is a pragmatic move aimed at prolonging her career, even if it disappoints fans who hoped to see her at the Grand Slam.
For the tournament, Seidel’s inclusion provides fresh intrigue. Main-draw opportunities at slams are invaluable for young players’ development; Seidel can now test herself against higher-ranked opposition and potentially shift the balance in early rounds.
What this means for both players
For Alcaraz, the coming weeks will reveal whether the hairstyle is a headline-grabbing flourish or a sign of regained confidence ahead of a deep US Open run. His conditioning, practice intensity and performance in warm-up matches will determine realistic expectations.
For Tomljanovic, the withdrawal signals a focus on longevity. Prioritizing recovery over a possibly compromised Grand Slam campaign is a responsible, long-view choice that could pay dividends in 2027.
What to watch heading into Flushing Meadows
• Alcaraz’s on-court practice sessions and any short lead-up tournaments for clues about wrist resilience and timing.
• How his serve and backhand hold up under match pressure after an extended layoff.
• Ella Seidel’s performance in the main draw, and whether she can convert this opportunity into a breakthrough.
• Tomljanovic’s recovery updates and timeline for a competitive return in 2027.
The US Open narrative is settling into familiar tension: marquee names returning from injury, younger players seizing openings, and survival choices shaping longer-term careers.
Rick Macci says Alcaraz will be heavily scrutinized in US Open comeback, urges patience
The next fortnight will clarify which stories are surface-level distractions and which will define the hard-court season.
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