Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Nadal Endorses Alcaraz’s Injury Layoff as Expert Calls Wrist Problem Manageable

The stance points to a reset of his season plans to reduce pressure to rush back.

Overview

  • Carlos Alcaraz injured his right wrist on April 14 at the Barcelona Open and then withdrew from Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros.
  • Rafael Nadal said he spoke with Alcaraz and praised the decision to stop, noting his own similar wrist injuries and saying he expects it will not be chronic.
  • Sports-science expert Stephen Smith said reports indicate an inflamed tendon sheath, which he described as less serious than a tendon tear and usually manageable.
  • Alcaraz has set no return date, according to ex-pro Pablo Andújar, and former players Horacio de la Peña and Roberto Bautista Agut predict he will skip Spain’s Davis Cup qualifier later this year.
  • Missing Roland Garros as the defending champion will cost him 2,000 ranking points and further widen Jannik Sinner’s lead at the top.