Carlos Alcaraz says he is "feeling great" as he prepares to defend his US Open title, marking his first appearance since recovering from a right wrist injury sustained in April. The 23-year-old Spaniard, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, will face Russia's Roman Safiullin in his opening match after a quick tune-up alongside Serena Williams in the mixed doubles.

"I need competition," Alcaraz said. "I'm feeling very good, and I think that injury helped me a lot to understand that right now, everything is in my head. I have to trust my team, trust the people who tell me that everything is going to be fine."

Alcaraz insists he hasn't changed anything technically about his game, unlike Britain's Jack Draper who attempted to modify his serve. "I haven't changed anything. I've been doing the same things. I haven't changed anything technically, in terms of my movements or the way I'm going to play," he explained.

During his recovery, Alcaraz carried the World Cup trophy onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium before Spain's win over Argentina, calling it a "lifetime experience." He also expressed concern for world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, saying it's "weird" they haven't seen each other in months and wishing him a swift recovery.