{
  "id": 4026237,
  "title": "Injury uncertainty led to 'intrusive thoughts' for Alcaraz",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/injury-uncertainty-led-to-intrusive-thoughts-for-alcaraz",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-28T20:16:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Sport",
    "slug": "bbc-sport",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/articles/c3rexy3jllyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Seven-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, aged 23, has returned to tennis following a wrist injury that plagued him since mid-April. The Spaniard, who defeated Jannik Sinner in last year's US Open final, admits that the most challenging aspect of his lengthy absence was grappling with intrusive thoughts about his return date. Alcaraz expressed that these doubts, concerning his readiness for events like Cincinnati and the US Open, were the most difficult to overcome. Despite the challenges, Alcaraz, who regained competitive action at the US Open's mixed doubles event alongside Serena Williams, feels mentally prepared to compete at the highest level. He reiterated his team's confidence in his fitness and readiness, stating that he trusts their assessments. Despite his lack of recent competitive action, Alcaraz insists he feels great as he prepares to defend his title at the US Open, which begins on Sunday.",
  "summary": "Seven-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz says not knowing when he would be able to return from a wrist injury was most challenging part of his long absence.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "After being out four months because of injury, Carlos Alcaraz expects to be himself at the US Open",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/after-being-out-four-months-because-of-injury-carlos-alcaraz-expects",
        "published": "2026-08-28T19:23:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}