MADRID — World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz offered little clarity on his return to competition Monday, stating he cannot yet provide a specific timeline for his comeback after withdrawing from the Mutua Madrid Open due to injury.
The 21-year-old Spaniard made the remarks on the red carpet ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony in Madrid, where he was nominated for Sportsman of the Year. His comments came just days after he pulled out of the Madrid Masters 1000 event, citing a right forearm issue that had bothered him throughout the clay-court swing.
“We don’t grasp for now,” Alcaraz said in Spanish, as reported by multiple Spanish media outlets present at the event. “So what I can guarantee is that we’ll do everything we can to arrive back as soon as possible.”
The statement, while measured, underscores the uncertainty surrounding one of tennis’ brightest stars at a pivotal moment in the season. Alcaraz’s absence from Madrid — where he defended his 2023 title — opens the door for shifts in the ATP rankings and raises questions about his readiness for the upcoming French Open, which begins in late May.
According to his team, the injury is not structural but involves inflammation and discomfort in the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon of his right wrist, a recurring issue that first surfaced during his 2022 US Open campaign. Medical staff have advised rest and targeted rehabilitation rather than injection or invasive treatment, aiming to avoid long-term complications.
ATP officials confirmed Alcaraz withdrew before his scheduled third-round match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The Spaniard had received a first-round bye and was set to play his opening match on April 24. His withdrawal was announced late on April 23, after he completed a practice session that reportedly aggravated the condition.
Alcaraz’s ranking remains secure for now — he holds 7,945 points, just 415 behind world No. 1 Jannik Sinner — but his inability to defend points in Madrid (where he earned 1,000 points last year) means he will drop in the standings regardless of Sinner’s results. If Sinner reaches the final in Madrid, he could extend his lead to over 1,000 points.
The injury timeline adds complexity to Alcaraz’s schedule. He had planned to apply Madrid and the subsequent Italian Open in Rome as tune-ups for Roland Garros, where he is the two-time defending champion. Now, his preparation hinges on how quickly he can regain full strength and match fitness without risking re-injury.
His uncle and former coach, Juan Carlos Alfaro, told Spanish radio station Cadena SER that the team is prioritizing long-term health over rushed returns. “Carlos is not thinking about Rome or Paris right now,” Alfaro said. “He’s thinking about being able to play pain-free for the next ten years.”
This approach aligns with recent trends on the ATP Tour, where several top players have opted for extended breaks to manage chronic issues. Alcaraz’s situation draws comparisons to Rafael Nadal’s careful management of his left foot and Novak Djokovic’s periodic withdrawals to preserve elbow and shoulder health.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains a heavy favorite for the French Open should he return to full fitness. He won his first Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in 2022 and backed it up with a Roland Garros title in 2023, becoming the youngest man to win the French Open since Michael Chang in 1989.
His absence from Madrid also affects the tournament’s draw and narrative. With Alcaraz out, the top half of the bracket sees increased openness, potentially paving the way for younger contenders like Holger Rune or Tommy Paul to make a deep run. In the bottom half, Sinner’s path to the final has been eased, though he still faces dangerous opponents like Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
The Laureus ceremony, held at the WiZink Center, served as a platform for Alcaraz to address fans and media despite his absence from competition. He arrived with his team, wore a navy blazer over a white shirt and smiled for photographs before delivering his brief statement. He did not take questions.
Laureus Academy members, including tennis legends like Serena Williams and Roger Federer, have previously praised Alcaraz not only for his talent but for his maturity and sportsmanship. His nomination for Sportsman of the Year reflects his global appeal beyond on-court achievements.
As of Monday evening, no official update had been issued by Alcaraz’s management team or the ATP regarding a potential return date. His next scheduled event is the Italian Open in Rome, set to begin May 6. Whether he will participate remains uncertain, with sources close to the player indicating a decision will be made based on daily progress in rehabilitation.
For now, the focus is on recovery. Alcaraz has been seen in Madrid undergoing physiotherapy and light strength work, avoiding any racquet use. His team emphasizes that the goal is not just to return, but to return stronger and more resilient.
In the broader context of the ATP calendar, Alcaraz’s situation highlights the physical toll of the modern game, particularly on clay courts where sliding and extreme grips place unique stress on the wrist and forearm. The sport’s governing bodies have begun reviewing tournament scheduling and surface transitions to reduce injury risk, though changes remain gradual.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching for any sign of progress in the coming weeks. A return in Rome would signal optimism for Paris; a continued absence would shift focus to the grass-court season and Wimbledon as his next major target.
Until then, the tennis world waits — not with urgency, but with patience. For a player of Alcaraz’s caliber, the message is clear: when he comes back, it will be because he’s ready, not because the calendar demands it.
The next confirmed checkpoint in Alcaraz’s recovery will be any official update from his team or the ATP regarding his status for the Italian Open in Rome. Fans seeking real-time updates are encouraged to follow the ATP’s official website and Alcaraz’s verified social media channels for announcements.
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