Fears raised over Carlos Alcaraz wrist injury, Madrid Open director Feliciano Lopez says next two tournaments 'almost impossible'
Published 20/04/2026 at 12:30 GMT+1
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Feliciano Lopez is concerned that a wrist injury may rule Carlos Alcaraz out for the remainder of the 2026 European clay swing.
Alcaraz concedes that Sinner 'played much better' in Monte Carlo final defeat
Video credit: SNTV
Alcaraz battled to a 6-4 6-2 Barcelona Open win over Otto Virtanen last week despite appearing to have an issue with his wrist and forearm.
The world No. 2 called over a physio during a changeover to address the issue.
Alcaraz was later forced to withdraw from the tournament, handing second-round opponent Tomas Machac a walkover in the process.
The Spaniard, along with Novak Djokovic, has since pulled out of the Madrid Open despite stating that his goal was to compete in the two Spanish tournaments in the lead-up to the French Open - live on TNT Sports and HBO Max - next month.
Lopez has since appeared on Radioestadio Noche to voice his concerns that Alcaraz may be out for a prolonged period.
Speaking from previous experience, the 44-year-old said: "I’ve had that injury myself. From what I’ve heard, it’s a very common injury in the world of tennis.
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'Happy to win at least one big trophy on this surface' - Sinner on claiming Monte Carlo title
Video credit: SNTV
"I think his wrist tendon is a bit inflamed, I imagine, and I hope it’s not ruptured.
"Now it’s time to recover because it’s not a muscle strain from overuse, since he arrived tired from Monte Carlo and something like this can happen to you. There are many small tendons in the wrist.
"I was out for about two months. I don’t know what his injury is like, the extent of it. I was out for two months, but of course, when I got it, I could barely hold the racket until a few days after the match ended."
- Alcaraz and Djokovic to miss Madrid Open amid injury concerns
- Alcaraz out of Barcelona Open with wrist injury
Lopez believes that his compatriot will also miss the Italian Open in Rome next month, adding: "In the end, what I wish for him is a speedy recovery because it’s an important season for him.
"It’s true that Carlos wins on every court, but first comes Madrid, then Rome, another Masters 1000, and then Roland-Garros, where he’s defending his title.
"There are 4,000 points at stake and the prestige of three major tournaments. Madrid is out, Rome seems almost impossible to me."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/02/02/image-409249c6-b8cc-41a6-b2f9-8b7718ece402-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'Alright, I made it' - Alcaraz shows off Australian Open trophy after historic career Grand Slam win
Video credit: SNTV
'I should rest'
Alcaraz did previously admit he should have taken a longer break following his Monte-Carlo Masters final defeat to Jannik Sinner.
"I’m not afraid to say that maybe this week is the one where I should rest," Alcaraz said. "We played a Masters 1000 tournament the first week, then we have Madrid and Rome and then Roland-Garros.
"This week is the one where I should take a break but Barcelona is a very special place for me."
Alcaraz is looking to successfully defend his Italian Open and French Open titles, having defeated Sinner in both clay court finals.
TNT Sports is the exclusive French Open broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Coverage of every court will be available to watch live on HBO Max.
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