Defending US Open champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka are favorites to win based on the latest odds, but their path won't be easy.

NEW YORK — After sitting out more than four months nursing an injured right wrist that caused him to miss the French Open and Wimbledon, Carlos Alcaraz didn’t decide to return for the US Open to be anything less than his Grand Slam-winning self.

Carlos Alcaraz is gearing up to defend his title at the US Open. However, the Spaniard finds himself embroiled in controversy in the lead-up to the Slam, with a fan accusing him of not stopping to sign autographs while walking through the streets.

Carlos Alcaraz has said that “intrusive thoughts” were the most difficult part of his four-month injury layoff as he prepares to return to singles at the U.S. Open.

The Spaniard could have to beat several top American players before potentially facing 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic in the semis and French Open champ Alexander Zverev in the final. The No. 2 seed opens against Russian Roman Safiullin, who is ranked No. 98 in the world and is 1-1 in his career vs. Alcaraz.

Sidelined since April with a wrist injury and after missing the past two Grand Slam events, Carlos Alcaraz insists he is "feeling great" as he launches a bid to defend his US Open title.

Alcaraz's placement headlines a loaded men's bracket despite the recent withdrawal of Jannik Sinner (knee), filled with dangerous early-round opponents and emerging contenders eager to capitalize. The women's draw carries similar intrigue, with several title threats facing difficult paths through the opening week at Flushing Meadows.

Follow live as the star-studded mixed doubles tournament gets underway at Flushing Meadows today.

ELLE caught up with the star at Evian’s 200 Years Young party ahead of the year’s final Grand Slam.

Seven‑time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz admitted that intrusive thoughts about his comeback were the toughest part of his five‑month wrist injury layoff.