Carlos Alcaraz loses his cool during US Open practice session as tough draw awaits

Preparing for his opening match against American big-server Reilly Opelka, Alcaraz appeared to question why his conversations with coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and his team were being picked up. Manager Albert Molina was seen listening as the Spaniard expressed concern over the recordings.

Alcaraz, who is chasing a second US Open crown, seemed wary that rivals might gain access to tactical discussions. His frustration was understandable, with the microphones not only tracking play but also capturing dialogue between player and coach.

The 21-year-old Spaniard has been handed a challenging path at Flushing Meadows. Opelka awaits in the first round, with former champion Daniil Medvedev a possible third-round opponent. Big-serving Americans Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz also lie in his section.

Still, many believe Alcaraz can navigate the draw and set up another showdown with Jannik Sinner. The two have contested the last two Grand Slam finals, and former World No 1 Mats Wilander is convinced they are on course for a third straight clash on the sport's biggest stage.

"I think the storyline is Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz for a few more Grand Slam tournaments," said Wilander.

"I believe we're seeing two players that will fight for most probably 15 Grand Slam finals before they're done, at least. They're that good. And at the moment, they're that much better than everybody else. So, I think the storyline is still Jannik Sinner – can he get to the finals against Carlos Alcaraz? And will we see another great match like we saw at the French Open? That's the storyline, at least for this tournament, and most probably until sometime next year."

Alcaraz will play his first match against Opelka in the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday.