Carlos Alcaraz targets grass-court return as medical details emerge following French Open withdrawal

Carlos Alcaraz targets a return at Queen's Club after his French Open exit. Insider details reveal a 62-day recovery plan for his wrist injury.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 3:23 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Defending Queen’s Champion Sets Sights on Grass Return

Following the disappointing news of his withdrawal from Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz has reportedly identified the Queen’s Club Championships as his primary comeback target. According to Spanish tennis insider Angel Garcia Muniz, the 22-year-old superstar intends to use the London-based ATP 500 event to build the necessary match fitness for his Wimbledon title defense. The tournament, which Alcaraz won last year, is scheduled to take place from June 15 to June 21, providing a clear milestone for his rehabilitation after a wrist injury derailed his clay-court campaign.

Medical Diagnosis Offers Hope for Stable Recovery

New details regarding the nature of the Spaniard’s injury suggest that while the condition is painful, it may not be as debilitating as initially feared. Muniz reported that the injury is an inflammation of the tendon sheath rather than a structural tear, a distinction that significantly alters the recovery outlook. Unlike the severe tendon tears that have historically sidelined Rafael Nadal, this inflammatory condition is described as less dangerous, though it requires strict rest to prevent permanent damage. This diagnosis explains the medical team’s decision to prioritize caution by skipping the high-intensity sliding and long rallies characteristic of the European clay season.

Sixty-Two Day Timeline Mirroring Historic Precedents

The projected recovery window between the initial onset of the injury in Barcelona and the start of the Queen’s Club Championships is exactly 62 days. This two-month timeline is notable as it mirrors a similar injury period previously navigated by Rafael Nadal. Given this historical context, Alcaraz’s team determined that attempting to compete in Rome or Paris would have been an unnecessary risk. By adhering to a two-month break, the world number two aims to ensure that the inflammation fully subsides before he subjects the joint to the stresses of professional tournament play once again.