"I need competition."

Carlos Alcaraz expressed that 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.

Although Alcaraz's extended absence has raised questions about his prospects, the seven-time Grand Slam champion has a history of delivering his best performances on the biggest stages, making him a contender despite the uncertainty surrounding his return.

He will commence his title defense against Roman Safiullin of Russia, having had a brief warm-up in mixed doubles alongside Serena Williams.

"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," said the 23-year-old.

"So I just have to go 100 per cent. Right now, with the training I've done so far, everything has gone well. I'm trying to get away from that fear and play normally."

'I Haven't Changed Anything Technically'

There were concerns that Alcaraz might need to alter his playing style to prevent the recurrence of the injury. For instance, Britain's Jack Draper attempted to modify his serve to overcome his own injury issues but has remained sidelined.

However, Alcaraz insists that he simply requires competitive matches.

"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 stated.

"I just wanted to feel that I was going to be myself. I knew that coming here to the US Open, being a best-of-five-set tournament and being my first tournament after such a long time, was going to be a huge challenge.

"Probably, in terms of preparation, it wasn't the ideal time. But my team and I believe that I'm ready. It wasn't an easy decision. I did everything I needed to do to be ready. I tried to do everything perfectly, both on and off the court, to feel prepared.

"We saw that everything was fine, that everything was responding properly, and we believed it was the right time to come back."

Alcaraz also commented on the "weird" absence of world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is also injured, saying: "It's a weird situation to be honest. I just wish him all the best... a great recovery and to see him back in court at his best."

'A Lifetime Experience' Watching Spain Win World Cup

Alcaraz remained in the public eye during his time away from the court, notably carrying the World Cup trophy onto the pitch at MetLife Stadium before Spain's victory over Argentina.

"For me it was a lifetime experience, seeing Spain winning the World Cup," he said.

"Louis Vuitton had the trunks that were carrying the trophy, so they told me that I'm down to do it. And, I mean, it was a lifetime experience for me, like holding the trophy in the ceremony, to give it to them, you know, on the field. So it was a great experience."

Carlos Alcaraz has stated that he is "feeling great" as he gets ready to defend his US Open title. This will be his first competition since recovering from a wrist injury he sustained in April.

While Alcaraz's extended break from the sport has cast some doubt on his chances, he has a proven track record of performing at his highest level in major tournaments and should not be underestimated despite the current uncertainty surrounding his comeback.

He is scheduled to begin his defense of the title against Roman Safiullin of Russia. Prior to this, he participated in a brief mixed doubles event alongside Serena Williams.

"I'm feeling very good, and I believe the injury was beneficial in helping me realize that my mindset is key right now. I must rely on my team and those who assure me that everything will be alright," the 23-year-old player commented.

"Therefore, I must commit 100 percent. Thus far, my training has gone smoothly, and I'm working to overcome any lingering apprehension and play my natural game."

"I Haven't Made Any Technical Adjustments"

Concerns had arisen that Alcaraz might need to alter his playing technique to prevent the injury from recurring. A comparable situation involved Britain's Jack Draper, who attempted to change his serve to address his injury problems but has continued to be plagued by them.

However, Alcaraz maintains that his primary need is to engage in competitive play.

"I haven't modified anything. I've continued with my usual routines. My technique, my movements, and my overall style of play remain unchanged," he explained.

"My sole objective was to feel like my usual self. I understood that participating in the US Open, a best-of-five-set tournament and my first event after a significant hiatus, would present a considerable challenge.

"In terms of preparation, it might not have been the ideal timing. However, my team and I are confident in my readiness. The decision was not taken lightly. I undertook all necessary steps to be prepared. I strove for perfection, both on and off the court, to feel adequately prepared.

"We observed that everything was progressing well and responding as expected, leading us to believe it was the appropriate moment for my return."

Alcaraz also expressed that it feels "strange" not having seen the injured world No. 1 Jannik Sinner for several months, adding: "To be honest, it's a peculiar situation. I sincerely wish him the best... a swift recovery and for him to return to the court at his peak form."

"A Lifetime Experience" Watching Spain Win the World Cup

Alcaraz was not entirely absent from the public eye during his recovery period. He had the honor of carrying the World Cup trophy onto the field at MetLife Stadium before Spain's triumph over Argentina.

"It was an experience of a lifetime for me, witnessing Spain win the World Cup," he shared.

"Louis Vuitton provided the trunks that transported the trophy, and they extended the invitation to me. Holding the trophy during the ceremony and presenting it on the field was, indeed, a memorable experience for me. It was truly a fantastic occasion."