# Carlos Alcaraz Returns to the US Open Without Putting Pressure on Himself

> After four months out with a wrist injury, Alcaraz talks personal style, his new headband look, and what it meant to team up with Serena Williams in mixed doubles.

- Source: Star Life
- Canonical URL: https://starlife.channel/article/carlos-alcaraz-us-open-2026-interview
- Author: Marisa Cole
- Section: Celebrity
- Published: 2026-08-30T14:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-30T14:00:00.000Z
- Tags: Carlos Alcaraz, US Open, Tennis

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Carlos Alcaraz keeps his approach to fashion simple, even as more attention gets paid to what he wears on and off the court. He told ELLE ahead of the 2026 US Open that he does not want to overthink it, and that feeling comfortable and liking how he looks walking onto the court is enough for him. The comment comes as he returns to the tournament after four months away with a wrist injury, trading last year's buzzcut and bleach blond look for long, bouncy hair held back with a headband.

## A warm-up with Serena Williams

Before the singles draw, Alcaraz teamed up with Serena Williams for the mixed doubles competition, and the pair reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated. He described being nervous playing alongside her on Arthur Ashe Stadium in front of a full crowd, calling her a legend of the sport he grew up watching, and said she made the experience easy and fun despite the emotions of the moment.

## Getting back to competing

Alcaraz said the layoff was difficult, and that his focus over the past few months has been on rebuilding confidence in his body and finding his rhythm again rather than rushing back. He said returning to New York, a city tied to some of his best memories on tour, feels especially meaningful, and that his goal for this tournament is simply to enjoy competing again and take it one match at a time rather than setting expectations for himself.

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Originally published by Star Life. Free to cite with attribution and a link to https://starlife.channel/article/carlos-alcaraz-us-open-2026-interview.