Overview
- Alcaraz posted a July recap on Instagram that included mirror selfies of tightly woven cornrow braids and short practice videos, a post that three separate outlets say ran on Thursday in late July.
- Those practice clips show him hitting forehands with increased pace and stepping up training intensity, which journalists say suggests progress in his right‑wrist tendon inflammation rehab.
- He is targeting a return at the Cincinnati Open and intends to decide in time to defend his US Open title, yet none of the reports include confirmed doctor sign‑off or match‑level evidence of fitness.
- Fans and peers reacted strongly to the new hairstyle with mixed praise and criticism, and several fellow players publicly commented on the look in social posts.
- Former players and commentators have urged caution, citing long‑term risks from wrist injuries seen in careers like Juan Martín del Potro and Dominic Thiem and warning against rushing back too soon.