Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time Wimbledon champion, is absent from the 2026 Championships as he recovers from a wrist injury. The 23-year-old Spanish star is sidelined with tendon inflammation in his right wrist, a condition likely caused by the repetitive strain of his heavy topspin forehand.
Injury Timeline and Withdrawals
The wrist issue first forced Alcaraz to withdraw from the Barcelona Open in April 2026 due to right wrist soreness. He subsequently pulled out of the French Open, where he was the defending champion. In a statement, Alcaraz confirmed he would miss the entire grass-court swing, including Queen's Club and Wimbledon, with a target of returning before the US Open later in the summer.
Alcaraz's Statement on Recovery
Reflecting on his situation, Alcaraz stated: "My recovery is going well and I’m feeling much better, but unfortunately I’m still not ready to compete, which is why I have to withdraw from the grass-court swing at Queen’s and Wimbledon. They are two truly special tournaments for me and I will miss them a lot. We’ll keep working to come back as soon as possible!"
Why Surgery Was Avoided
Wrist injuries can be particularly problematic for tennis players, often becoming chronic if not managed carefully. Alcaraz has avoided surgery but has worn a protective cast for several weeks to immobilise the joint completely. This cautious approach aims to ensure a full recovery without risking long-term damage.
Alcaraz's Wimbledon Legacy
Alcaraz won back-to-back Wimbledon titles in 2023 and 2024, both times defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. The 2023 final was a memorable five-set thriller, while the 2024 victory was more dominant. In 2025, his unbeaten streak in Grand Slam finals ended when he lost to Jannik Sinner in a four-set battle at Wimbledon.
Historic 2026 Achievement
Earlier in 2026, Alcaraz made history by becoming the youngest male player to achieve a career Grand Slam. He defeated Djokovic to win his first Australian Open title, completing the set of all four major tournaments. With Alcaraz absent, Jannik Sinner is the clear favourite to retain his Wimbledon crown.
Jannik Sinner's Dominance
The 24-year-old Italian, who defeated Alcaraz in the 2025 Wimbledon final, has had an extraordinary start to 2026. Sinner won the first five ATP Masters 1000 events of the year: Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, Madrid, and Rome. He is widely considered the frontrunner for the Wimbledon title in Alcaraz's absence.
