“Hope he is ready for the US swing”: Garbine Muguruza on possible Alcaraz return timeline

Sunday, 14 June 2026 at 08:30

Carlos Alcaraz has now been out of competition for close to two months after suffering a wrist injury that disrupted his spring campaign during the clay-court swing. His last appearance came on 14 April in Barcelona, where he defeated Otto Virtanen before physical issues emerged shortly after the match.

The situation escalated over the following weeks, eventually forcing him to withdraw from Roland Garros, where he was the defending champion. That withdrawal marked a major turning point in his season, removing him from the most important phase of the clay calendar.

His absence has now extended into the grass season, with confirmation that he will also miss Wimbledon. That means missing a tournament he won in 2023 and 2024 and where he reached the final in 2025, significantly increasing the sporting impact of the injury.

With no official return date in place, the focus has shifted to recovery management and long-term planning. Former world No. 1 Garbiñe Muguruza has offered a cautious assessment centred on medical care, timing, and psychological pressure.

Medical caution and rehabilitation approach

Muguruza’s main message is that the wrist injury requires careful management due to its structural complexity and the demands of elite-level tennis. She stressed that the recovery process must prioritise stability and controlled progression rather than early competitive return.

She also noted that grass may not be an ideal surface for a comeback, given its lower margins for adjustment and higher physical unpredictability compared to clay or hard courts.

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Carlos Alcaraz attends a press conference to announce his withdrawal from the 2026 Barcelona Open

Garbiñe Muguruza emphasised the need for caution in her assessment of the situation: “I hope he is ready for the US swing," the former world no. 1 said. "Grass is a complicated surface for a comeback, so it is not something negative. From what I know, he seems to be recovering well, but we must be cautious.

Even with positive signs in rehabilitation, she stressed that the decision to return must remain conservative to avoid setbacks. "His injury is complex," the Madrid Open director added. "The wrist is made up of small bones, so it must be treated with extreme care.”

Psychological pressure and return timing

Beyond the physical aspect, Muguruza also addressed the psychological pressure that accompanies long injury layoffs on the professional tour. She pointed to the tendency among players to accelerate their return due to ranking concerns and fear of losing competitive status.

This factor becomes particularly relevant in a season where Alcaraz has already missed two Grand Slams, removing major opportunities to defend ranking points and titles.

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“He needs to control his impatience and anxiety about when he will return. Players feel a lot of pressure to come back quickly, out of fear of losing their place. He needs to be intelligent and take his time.”

Her remarks underline a broader theme in elite tennis: the tension between competitive urgency and long-term physical integrity. The absence from Wimbledon, while significant in sporting terms, is framed as part of a necessary longer-term recovery strategy.

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

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.

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