Carlos Alcaraz has addressed concerns about his health following a brief interruption in his practice session ahead of the 2024 US Open. On Saturday, the 2022 champion cut his practice short due to an acute ankle injury, but he has since assured fans that the issue is not serious.

“I just stopped my practice just for precaution,” Alcaraz explained during his Media Day press conference. “I didn’t feel comfortable enough to keep practicing just in case if everything was going to be worse. But, you know, after a few hours later, I’m still feeling good, my feet, so tomorrow I will try to be practicing again 100% without thinking about it. Today I’ll take care of it.”

Alcaraz, who was practicing with fellow ATP player Francisco Cerundolo, expressed more disappointment for his practice partner than for himself. Despite the brief interruption, Alcaraz is focused on his goal of winning a third consecutive major title at the US Open, having already triumphed at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon earlier this year.

“I wasn’t worried at all about my US Open participation,” Alcaraz said. “Obviously, I was angry because I don’t want to stop the practice, just to respect Cerundolo, as well. I want to practice, I want to get better, I want to get ready for the tournament. But honestly with the ankle, I wasn’t worried about that. I’m sure that, you know, tomorrow or in two days I’ll be at my 100%, for sure. It’s just about time.”

Alcaraz was later seen on court for Arthur Ashe Kid’s Day and maintained a positive demeanor throughout his press conference. He is set to face Australian qualifier Li Tu in the first round on Tuesday, with a strong win probability of 95%.

Reflecting on his preparation, Alcaraz acknowledged, “Obviously, I would have loved to have more matches on my belt on hard court before the US Open. But it doesn’t affect me at all. Looking back a little bit, for example, facing Roland Garros, I hadn’t too many matches on clay, and it was a pretty good result. Then at Wimbledon, the same thing. So, I don’t want to think it will be the same as the previous two Grand Slams, but I’m not worried about not having too many matches on hard court.”

As Alcaraz gears up for his US Open campaign, he remains optimistic and focused, aiming to continue his impressive form from earlier in the season.