Carlos Alcaraz returns from wrist injury with latest update from Rennae Stubbs

Carlos Alcaraz is closing in on a return to action after his wrist injury setback, according to Rennae Stubbs, the former doubles champion turned analyst.

What happened to Carlos Alcaraz?

Rennae Stubbs, a four-time Grand Slam doubles winner and now a tennis commentator, shared the latest on Carlos Alcaraz’s recovery on Tuesday. Stubbs revealed the 20-year-old Spaniard has made steady progress since the injury flared up during his Miami Open campaign in March. The update comes as Alcaraz prepares to ramp up his training load ahead of hard-court events in North America.

Stubbs did not specify a return date but noted Alcaraz’s camp is taking a cautious approach. The injury forced him to withdraw from multiple clay-court Masters 1000 events, including Madrid and Rome. His absence left a gaping hole in the young star’s 2026 schedule, where he’d aimed to defend his Madrid title.

Why it matters for Carlos Alcaraz

Alcaraz’s wrist issue isn’t just a minor blip-it’s a setback that could derail his charge toward the year-end ATP Finals. The Spaniard entered 2026 as the world No. 1 after a breakthrough 2025 season. His return will be closely watched, especially with Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner pushing hard in the rankings.

Stubbs emphasized the importance of not rushing the process. Alcaraz’s team has prioritized full strength over an early comeback. That strategy paid off last year when he returned from a different injury just in time for Wimbledon. But this wrist issue carries extra risk given its location and recurrence potential.

What comes next for Alcaraz?

Stubbs suggested Alcaraz could test his fitness in smaller events before committing to a Grand Slam. The U.S. hard-court swing looms large, starting with Cincinnati in mid-August. If he skips that, his next realistic target would be the U.S. Open in late August.

His absence already reshuffled seeding for several tournaments. The question now is whether he can regain rhythm quickly enough to challenge for another major. Stubbs stopped short of predicting a timeline but stressed Alcaraz’s team won’t gamble with his long-term health.

For now, fans will have to wait for the green light. Stubbs’s update offers cautious optimism, but the road back is rarely linear for top athletes. Alcaraz’s next move could come within weeks-or stretch into September.