RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Carlos Alcaraz has overcome his fitness struggles and will make his return to competitive tennis at the US Open .
The seven-time grand slam champion has been out of action on the ATP Tour since April due to a persistent wrist injury, choosing to partner with football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano to announce his impending return.
Alcaraz adopted Romano's signature phrase to confirm he is ready to compete following a four-month layoff.
"Here we go," Alcaraz declared on X, accompanied by an image of the United States flag.
Confirming the news on Instagram, football transfer specialist Romano wrote: "Here we go! Carlos Alcaraz will return to the tour at the US Open after spending four months sidelined with a right wrist injury.
"Ready to come back."
Carlos Alcaraz will return at the US Open (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara/PA) (PA Archive)
The ongoing wrist problem previously forced the 23-year-old to relinquish his defence of the French Open title and miss Wimbledon , before he also pulled out of the Cincinnati Open at the beginning of August. However, he is now set to feature at Flushing Meadows later this month.
His comeback coincides with the US Open confirming another major rise in prize money for this year’s tournament.
A total prize fund of $108m (approximately £80m) stands as the highest ever offered in tennis, reflecting a 20 per cent increase for the second year in succession.
The men's and women's singles champions will take home $5.5m (approximately £4m) each, while players exiting in the first round will receive in excess of £100,000.
Tournament directors hope the historic payout will prevent a repeat of the player protests witnessed at both the French Open and Wimbledon.
A group of high-profile players, including world number ones Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, has been involved in a behind-the-scenes dispute with the grand slams under the banner Project RedEye for the past 18 months, raising concerns over prize money and other operational matters.
Jannik Sinner was among the players unhappy with prize money (PA Wire)
During the French Open, players limited their pre-tournament media appearances to 15 minutes each and maintained the tactic at Wimbledon, despite benefiting from a 20 per cent increase in overall prize money.
Further action planned for the opening week in London was called off following discussions. Alongside the financial updates from Flushing Meadows, the major tournaments have jointly announced the establishment of a grand slam player advisory council.
Aiming to address player concerns regarding their lack of influence over decision-making, the major tournaments stated that the new panel will act as "the forum for direct communication, feedback and collaboration between the grand slams and players".
The new body will launch after the conclusion of the US Open, which runs from August 30 to September 13, with players invited to submit applications to join.
The council will also serve as a venue to address player welfare, which has formed a core element of recent player dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the US Open's package features a 2m dollars (approximately £1.5m) commitment to a new US Open player support programme.
Craig Tiley spoke after increasing prize money to record levels (John Walton/PA) (PA Archive)
United States Tennis Association chief executive Craig Tiley, who recently took up the role after leaving Tennis Australia, said: "This is a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes as the US Open continues to be the best economic opportunity for players and the most valuable platform in tennis for players, fans and partners.
"We are proud to deliver record-setting prize money and expanded player benefits as well as providing a new platform to work together with players."
Reflecting on the formation of the council, Wimbledon chair Debbie Jevans said: "We have listened to the players’ desire for a greater voice and this advisory council is an important step towards a stronger relationship between the grand slams and the players.
"We look forward to working together to elevate the player experience, further enhance the grand slam tournaments and ensure the sport continues to thrive."
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