Injury Update: carlos alcaraz Withdraws From Miami Open After Wrist Surgery, Eyes Monte-Carlo Return
World No. 1 carlos alcaraz will miss the Miami Open after undergoing wrist surgery in mid-February, his team confirmed late Wednesday. The Spaniard’s timetable calls for a phased rehabilitation with a target return during the European clay season, with Monte-Carlo penciled in as the first tournament back.
What happened and the recovery plan
Alcaraz underwent a procedure on his right wrist on Feb. 11, 2026, with the operation described as corrective to address persistent pain that had hampered his practice schedule in recent weeks. The team described the surgery as successful and said the initial recovery went to plan. A formal training restart is expected in late March, with on-court hitting to follow if progress remains steady.
The staged timetable places the Spaniard in light on-court work by early April, aiming for match fitness ahead of the clay-court swing. Monte-Carlo, which begins April 6, 2026, is the targeted comeback event, though camp officials stressed that the date is conditional on how Alcaraz responds to rehabilitation milestones.
Alcaraz, 20, issued a brief message that acknowledged the frustration of missing events but emphasized long-term priorities. He said he wants to be fully fit for the Grand Slam and Masters events later in the season, and is focused on a conservative return to avoid setbacks.
Season implications and ranking considerations
The withdrawal from Miami carries immediate consequences for Alcaraz’s tournament schedule and ranking points. The Miami Open is a key Masters 1000 event, and absence will reopen the race for points among the top contenders during the hard-court swing. How much ground he may lose depends on the results of rivals over the coming weeks and whether he can defend or make up points at later events.
Missing match play in March and early April also alters Alcaraz’s preparation rhythm ahead of Roland Garros. His team is prioritizing a fully healthy body over rushed returns; the hope is that a measured comeback on clay will restore confidence and prevent chronic issues from flaring up in the long term.
Coaches and physiotherapists involved in the recovery emphasized that modern surgical protocols and tailored rehab programs have produced positive outcomes for players in similar situations. The key variables will be grip strength, range of motion, and the ability to withstand high-intensity hitting without pain.
Reaction and next steps
Fans and peers reacted with support across social channels, with many wishing him a smooth recovery. Tournament directors are adjusting entry lists and wildcard plans to account for Alcaraz’s absence in Miami. The player’s camp plans to issue further updates at regular intervals and will confirm an official competition comeback only when on-court readiness is validated.
For now, the focus is clear: recovery, cautious ramp-up, and a return aimed at peak condition for the pivotal clay and summer seasons. Alcaraz’s path back will be watched closely by rivals and supporters alike, with the Monte-Carlo window serving as the first concrete test of his readiness to resume the chase for major titles.
