Carlos Alcaraz injury dismissed by Rick Macci as recovery is stepped up: “He’s the Spanish magician, he holds the racket like a paintbrush"

Carlos Alcaraz is nearing a return from his spell on the sidelines. A wrist injury picked up on home soil has severely hampered his progress in 2026 and seen him miss a large number of top tournaments. Well-known coach Rick Macci has dismissed any concern surrounding the seven-time Grand Slam champion injury.

Following his Australian Open triumph, Alcaraz backed that up with success in Qatar with him the big favourite heading into the Sunshine swing. His form did fall off a bit compared to the high standards he sets himself.

A semi-final at Indian Wells was followed by a harrowing loss to Sebastian Korda in the third round of the Miami Open. He did reach the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters but his clay court talent was dented against Jannik Sinner who stole the number one spot away from him as well as his title in Monaco.

It would go from bad to worse as Alcaraz hunted for glory in Barcelona. A busy clay swing was in store, but it was shortened following a worrying wrist problem suffered in his opening round match. He withdrew from both Barcelona and Madrid before the title defences at Rome and Roland Garros followed, finally Wimbledon was scratched off the schedule in a bitter blow.

He is eyeing up a return to the US Open where he defends the title following a triumphant win against Sinner last time out, winning a first title at Flushing Meadows since 2022 when he tasted major glory for the very first time.

The Spaniard has been filmed back on court hitting with his right hand. He has been training in this time away from the action, first starting with movement exercises before moving to his left hand. While it was just light shots, it is a huge step in the right direction as a return closes in.

Macci has had a legendary coaching career, overviewing the progress of the Williams sisters, Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati and Maria Sharapova. He gave a positive account on what he believed was the correct approach by Alcaraz who has opted for caution, knowing that he has a long career in the sport.

“I think it’s smart they’re playing the long game. He’s an amazing competitor, and probably no one wants to play more than him,” Macci told Tennis365. “He’s taking the advice that he’s gotten. And he’s so young. He’s already changed history, he has seven Grand Slams in the back pocket. “He’s doing the right thing by playing the long game. But, I don’t think we’re gonna know the answer to the wrist situation until he returns and he starts playing again."

He was no medical expert and was not sure whether the issue could re-emerge at a later date. “Is it gonna bubble up again? Or is it gonna be [more] history? We’re really not gonna know the extent of exactly what has happened. But I think he’s doing the best he can, he’s being cautious. We’ll know when he starts playing again how all this unfolds.”

Macci was not doubting the talent of Alcaraz. At the age of 22, he has already won seven Grand Slam titles, eight Masters 1000 titles and a grand total of 26 ATP titles. There is so much more to be won and a number of records to be smashed.

“He’s the Spanish magician, he holds the racket like a paintbrush, and he does a lot of interesting things with his hands and wrist,” he continued. “And we could say this and that [about his technique and playing style], but listen, that’s his DNA. He’s an artist, he’s a virtuoso.

“This is how he plays — from the heart and from the soul. He’s not gonna change anything, and hopefully this will not be a big thing because let’s face it, his charisma, and his spirit… he is must-see TV. And he is the best role model for every junior tennis player; if you want to really see how good you can become, you can’t be afraid to fail when you’re a kid, and you’ve got to develop a complete game. Let’s hope that he comes back. I’m not worried about the wrist injury, but once he starts playing, we’re gonna know the score.”