Alex Corretja Expresses Serious Concerns Over Carlos Alcaraz Recovery Timeline Following French Open Withdrawal

Spanish legend Alex Corretja warns Carlos Alcaraz may miss Wimbledon due to a wrist injury. Read more on the world No. 2's recovery timeline.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 3:17 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

The Sudden Halt of a Dominant Season

The professional trajectory of world number two Carlos Alcaraz has hit a definitive roadblock following a right wrist injury sustained during the opening stages of the Barcelona Open on April 14. Despite an initial victory against Otto Virtanen, the seven-time Grand Slam champion was forced to abandon the tournament before his second-round appearance, subsequently pulling out of the Madrid Masters as well. The severity of the ailment became clear when Alcaraz confirmed he would be unable to defend his titles at the Italian Open and the French Open, effectively ending his 2026 clay-court campaign. This forced hiatus has left a vacuum at the top of the sport, as one of its most explosive players remains sidelined during the peak of the European season.

Expert Warnings on the Perils of Grass

Spanish tennis veteran and Eurosport analyst Alex Corretja has urged the sporting community to exercise extreme patience as the young star navigates his rehabilitation. Speaking to Cadena COPE radio, Corretja emphasized that focusing on day-to-day healing is far more critical than circling a specific return date on the calendar. According to Corretja, the transition to grass-court competition presents unique physical dangers for a player recovering from a wrist tendon injury. The surface demands sudden, awkward movements and requires players to absorb the impact of faster serves, both of which could potentially re-aggravate the delicate area. Consequently, Corretja remains unconvinced that a return for Wimbledon is a realistic or safe objective.

Internal Timelines and Professional Guidance

While the public remains anxious for a comeback, the editorial consensus from those close to the player suggests a strategy of cautious restraint. Insiders like journalist Angel Garcia Muniz have reported that Alcaraz is tentatively targeting the Queen’s Club Championships as a potential entry point for the grass season, yet this remains speculative. Corretja noted that the decision to announce the French Open withdrawal so early indicates that Alcaraz’s team is adhering to a strict, non-pressured recovery schedule. According to the former world number two, the primary goal must be for the player to return only when he feels entirely ready, rather than rushing to meet the expectations of fans or tournament organizers.