Spain’s Davis Cup captain David Ferrer has offered a cautious pdate on Carlos Alcaraz’s recovery, stressing that the focus remains entirely on ensuring the world No. 2 returns only when fully fit. Alcaraz has been sidelined since the Barcelona Open in mid-April, with no confirmed return date as his injury situation continues to develop.
The Spaniard subsequently missed the Madrid Open and the Rome Open, before withdrawing from Roland Garros where he was set to defend his title. His absence extended further when he ruled out the entire grass-court swing, meaning he will not compete at Wimbledon, where he reached the final in the previous edition.
As things stand, Alcaraz is expected to be out of competition for nearly three months on the tour, although no official timeline has been confirmed. The issue is a wrist injury, specifically on his right wrist, with the full extent and severity still not fully disclosed.
Speaking about the situation, Ferrer - Spain’s Davis Cup Captain - emphasised patience and a step-by-step recovery process, avoiding any suggestion of a rushed return ahead of the North American hard-court swing.
“Little by little”: Ferrer urges patience over Alcaraz recovery
Ferrer described ongoing contact with Alcaraz and confirmed that the recovery process is progressing, although he refused to speculate on a return timeline. The Davis Cup captain underlined that the priority is not timing, but ensuring the player meets all necessary physical requirements before competing again.
“I talk with him, the recovery is going well, but the facts must be met and little by little,” Ferrer said to El Partidazo de Cope. The emphasis, he added, is on avoiding any scenario in which Alcaraz returns without full physical assurance.
Carlos Alcaraz gets medical attention for his wrist during a match against Virtanen in the Barcelona Open
“The important thing is that he recovers well and when he goes to play or makes his competition debut again, he does so with full guarantees so he does not get injured,” he added.
Ferrer did not offer any concrete expectation for a return during the North American hard-court swing, including the US Open build-up, instead reinforcing the uncertainty surrounding the timeline.
“He is very competitive”: Davis Cup context and Davis Cup expectations
Ferrer also addressed Alcaraz’s personality and competitive nature, noting that his desire to return quickly is natural for a player of his profile. “I’ve been told that since he likes to play golf so much and he can’t because of the wrist, he is a bit frustrated about that,” Ferrer said.
However, he stressed that competitiveness must be balanced with medical caution and long-term planning. “Well, I think that in the end he is so competitive that he has a lot of desire to return to competition,” he added. “I know that he wants to return.”
The comments come as Spain prepare for their Davis Cup commitments later in the season, including a tie against Chile in Santiago on clay courts. While Alcaraz’s participation remains uncertain, Ferrer is expected to prioritise his availability for potential Davis Cup Finals qualification rather than risk an early return in the regular tour schedule.
Given his current absence and the lack of a confirmed timeline, Alcaraz is expected to miss a significant portion of the season, with his return dependent entirely on the progression of his wrist recovery.
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.