Carlos Alcaraz ‘could miss Wimbledon’ as well as French Open as return date comes to light | Tennis | Sport

However, the tennis world was sent into a state of shock earlier this week when Alcaraz announced he wouldn’t be fit in time for either the Italian or French Opens. Alcaraz has been the king of the Paris clay in recent years, winning back-to-back titles at Roland Garros.

Sitting out the majority of the clay season will give Alcaraz a significant disadvantage against Jannik Sinner in the battle for world No.1 spot. Beyond that though, there are even claims Alcaraz’s absence could keep him out until the end of the grass court season too.

Italian outlet Gazzetta have reported that early suggestions Alcaraz will definitely be back for Queen’s and subsequently Wimbledon are way off the mark. It claims the Spaniard’s camp are wary that a rushed return could prove more damaging in the long run, as well as leaving him at risk of reinjuring the troublesome wrist.

Instead, the more realistic timeframe will probably focus on getting back up and running for the hard court swing, specifically the Cincinnati Open. The ATP 1000 event was won by Alcaraz last year, and comes in the run-up to the US Open.

There are contrasting reports which suggest the wrist problem could command up to six months recovery, which would essentially rule Alcaraz out for the remainder of the season. Plenty, including Alcaraz himself, will be hoping that isn’t the case, with the 22-year-old having vowed to come back stronger.

In a statement announcing his withdrawal, Alcaraz said: “After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing to do is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros as we wait to evaluate the progress so we can decide when to return to the court. This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of it stronger.”

Meanwhile, Alcaraz’s biggest competitor, Sinner, reacted to the news by saying: “I think what’s most important is to say that, first of all, tennis needs Carlos. Tennis is a much better sport when he’s around. For me personally it’s nice when he’s around. It makes me look also in the draw and see the matches in a different way, even though if I would face Carlos it would always be in the final.”