Fans of
Carlos Alcaraz are breathing a sigh of relief after the world number two shared an encouraging update following his horrific ankle injury at the Rio Open on Tuesday. Alcaraz, the 2023 Rio champion, twisted his ankle in just the second point of his opening match against local favorite Thiago Monteiro, and was forced to retire after two games.
But according to the Spaniard's medical team, he will only be "out for a few days" and should be back in time to defend his title at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells.
"I just had an MRI on my ankle after yesterday's injury…. The diagnosis is a grade II lateral sprain. I have a sprain that will keep me out for a few days! See you in Las Vegas and Indian Wells.”
The positive news also reflects the original assessment by physiotherapists in Rio. The 20-year-old appeared visibly distressed on Tuesday night as tournament staff treated his ankle and as he attempted to continue playing, but appeared in better spirits later during his post-match press conference.
Alcaraz will have just under a month to recover from the injury for an exhibition match in Las Vegas scheduled for March 3, where he will face compatriot and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal.
