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Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed his return to the U.S. Open following a wrist injury that has sidelined him since April. “HERE WE GO!” the world No. 2 posted on X/Twitter. Alcaraz is the defending U.S. Open champion after beating Jannik Sinner in four sets in last year’s final in front of Donald Trump. Both Alcaraz and Sinner (knee) pulled out of the Cincinnati Open, the biggest hardcourt warm-up tournament ahead of the U.S. Open. Still, videos posted to social media this week show Alcaraz training on hardcourts. The Spaniard reportedly beat former world No. 4 (and current No. 102) Holger Rune, 7-6, 6-2, in a practice match on Thursday. Sinner and Alcaraz have combined to win 10 of the last 11 major titles. Alcaraz completed the career Slam by winning the Australian Open in January. Sinner currently sits as a 31% favorite to win the title, followed by Alcaraz (28%) and Alexander Zverev (13%), per Kalshi. The U.S. Open on Thursday announced record prize money of $108 million, with the singles winners taking home $5.5 million apiece.