Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, born only six days apart in May 2003 shared a court together in Alcaraz’ hometown Murcia as they fight to recover fitness and rejoin the ATP Tour.

The close friends played junior doubles together before meeting four times on the ATP Tour.

On Monday, they teamed up again for a practice session in the steamy conditions in Murcia as both work towards a return to competition.

Alcaraz,  the ATP World No. 2 has not competed since an ATP 500 event in Barcelona last April where he was forced to withdraw ahead of his second-round match due to a right wrist injury.

The 23 year old Spaniard is the defending champion at the US Open which begins next week in New York.

Dane Rune has been sidelined, since he ruptured his Achilles tendon in the semi-finals of the Stockholm Tour event last October.

He subsequently underwent surgery and has recently commenced his rehabilitation period.

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz sporting his new hirsute appearance shares a practice session with Holger Rune – by ATPTour.com

Uncertainty reigns over the injury comebacks for Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune as the pair of elite players struggle to return to action after months away.

Alcaraz, currently ranking third, has let it be known through his team that he is aiming to get back on court at next month’s Cincinnati Masters, the last major tuneup chance prior to the August 31 start of the US Open.

But the hope also comes with a proviso: the former No. 1 might not be ready to make an impression in a match.

Alcaraz has not played since injuring his wrist last April in Barcelona and is said to be keen to try his luck at the flatland Midwest Masters which he won a year ago when Jannik Sinner retired ill after five games.

Spanish newspaper La Verdad de Murcia – hometown of Alcaraz – reported that their player can make no promises regarding participation in Cincy but will travel there anyway and test his wrist.

With his condition expected to be well under his 100 percent, the outlook is not promising for the seven-time Grand Slam winner, with the Cincinnati outcome a pointer to any chances at the Open.

No. 80 Dane Rune, who once touched fourth in the world, has not played since Stockholm last October when he tore his Achilles tendon and underwent surgery; he has been rehabbing and putting off comebacks for months.

The 23-year-old was originally set for a comeback last May prior to Roland Garros, but the date at the ATP Hamburg came and went. 

A promise to “see you on the grass” was not honoured, with Rune now hoping to make it to the US Open starting in just over a month.?

The major is the worst for Rune, who has exited three times in the fist round from five appearances 

The halo effect from iconic new coach Andy Murry on Monday sent Jack Draper to a satisfying knee injury comeback win as the Briton advanced on the grass at Eastbourne.

The former national No. 1 who once touched fourth in the world, had not played since mid-April in Barcelona, defeated substitute opponent Marcos Giron 6-4, 7-6 (5). 

The American replaced compatriot Brandon Nakashima in the draw on the English south coast.

With Murray in his corner for the grass season, Draper’s confidence seemed to fly.

But he warned:”I haven’t called him ‘Sir’ yet – that’s not going to happen,” he said of his knighted new mentor.who retired two years ago this month.

“I’m really grateful to Andy that he’s chosen to help me and wants to help me. Today was a performance a bit like what he used to do – winning ugly.”

Due to an unfortunate series of arm, knee and shoulder problems, Draper’s match was only his 10th of this season.

“Andy, truthfully, is one of my biggest inspirations. When I was younger I remember him playing all the big events and being there to watch him,” Draper said.
“He believes in my game, he believes in me as a person. That’s what I really need right now coming back from the year I have had.”

Draper now plays compatriot Jack Pinnington Jones in the second round.

Main photo:- Jack Draper winning at Eastbourne – ©LTA