Alcaraz and the fine line between maximum caution and optimism about his recovery

Andrés Tomás Rico | 24 Jul 2026 | 15.14

Alcaraz and the fine line between maximum caution and optimism for his recovery. Photo: Gettyimages

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Playing in Cincinnati? Waiting for the US Open? Returning only when the wrist is 100% recovered and healthy, even if it means giving up another Grand Slam? All these questions are going through the mind of Carlos Alcaraz. The Spanish tennis player, injured in the wrist since mid-April, has remained, along with his team, very cautious about his physical issue. The uncertainty surrounding his injury is the same as that surrounding his return. No one dares to give an exact name for his diagnosis or an official date for his comeback.

While it was reported on PuntodeBreak during Wimbledon that the 7-time Grand Slam champion's goal was to return at the Cincinnati Masters 1000, which the tournament itself has confirmed on its social media, the excitement to know an exact date for his return has gradually been imbued with caution. Messages of hope, like starting to practice with the balls that will be used in the North American hardcourt swing, along with the intention of starting training as soon as possible on the outdoor courts of Real Sociedad Club de Campo Murcia, as reported by EL PAÍS, are mixed from his surroundings.

❤️🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/uj4lPtWi9W
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) July 20, 2026

Carlos Alcaraz will only return when fully recovered from his wrist injury

But caution signals are also being sent, the same ones throughout this process summed up in a simple phrase: Alcaraz will not return until his wrist is at 100%. Whether it means not playing in Cincinnati and arriving at the US Open without any matches, which starts on August 30, or not playing in New York either.

Despite all the steps being taken, recovery is entering the final and most challenging stage, observing the reaction of the wrist to the increase in intensity, and to the power and speed imparted by the Murcian.

Alcaraz has demonstrated over these more than three months of absence that if he has to miss the most important tournaments, he will. He announced his withdrawal from the Conde de Godó in Barcelona, then followed by withdrawals from the Mutua Madrid Open, the Rome Masters 1000, Roland Garros, the Queen’s ATP 500, Wimbledon, and the Canada Masters 1000. It is worth remembering that during this upcoming swing starting next Monday, Alcaraz will defend a total of 3,000 points (1,000 from his title in Cincinnati and 2,000 from his victory in the US Open).

Now he not only faces Jannik Sinner but the impressive performances of Alexander Zverev at Roland Garros, being the champion, and Wimbledon, as the finalist, have granted him the second position in the ATP rankings. A position he could maintain if the Spaniard fails to defend that margin. Although, at present, that is a secondary concern for the one from El Palmar.

The eagerness to return to the court is high, but caution weighs much more. A premature return could cause a setback that would indeed be worrying considering the location of the injury. Everything is progressing as planned, and these next few days will be crucial to gauge the condition of Carlos Alcaraz's wrist. Everyone wishes to see the champion back on a tennis court, but as the saying goes: "Prevention is better than cure."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Alcaraz y la fina línea entre la precaución máxima y el optimismo de su recuperación

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