Carlos Alcaraz officially returned to the court after four months away, and he did so on a special stage: Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open, while teaming up with Serena Williams. The Spaniard admitted that nerves were present during the opening minutes of his highly anticipated return.
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Alcaraz Returns to Tennis Alongside Serena Williams and Admits He "Was Very Nervous"
Carlos Alcaraz returned to competition after four months away and did so alongside Serena Williams in the US Open mixed doubles, where he admitted how nervous he felt about stepping back onto the court.
The pairing of Alcaraz and Williams defeated New Zealand's Erin Routliffe and Britain's Lloyd Glasspool in the first round of the mixed doubles, in a match that also marked the Spaniard's return to competitive action after recovering from a wrist injury.
Alcaraz Admits He Was Nervous Playing Alongside Serena Williams
The emotions surrounding his return were evident from the very first point. Alcaraz admitted that playing alongside a historic figure like Serena Williams, combined with the long period he spent away from the court, made for a difficult start.
"Everyone saw it, I double-faulted on the first point, I was very nervous. Playing alongside Serena, after four months away, I almost forgot what it feels like to be on the court," the Spaniard acknowledged during his on-court interview after the match.
However, the Spanish champion explained that he needed only a couple of games to rediscover his competitive rhythm. He also highlighted the help of Williams, with whom he ultimately enjoyed a very special day in New York.
"It lasted a couple of games and then she made it easy for me. I really enjoyed it," Alcaraz added.
A Special Return to Arthur Ashe Stadium
The comeback carried even greater significance because of the setting. Alcaraz returned to Arthur Ashe Stadium, the same court where he captured the US Open for the second time in his career last year.
Tuesday's appearance ended a four-month absence from competition due to a wrist injury, making the mixed doubles his first opportunity to experience the intensity of an official match again.
For Serena Williams, sharing another night on one of the biggest stages in world tennis was also special.
"It's always a great place. I never imagined I would be back on this court. It's a great moment," Williams said.
With a victory and one of the sport's greatest legends alongside him, Alcaraz completed his long-awaited return to competitive tennis.
