Carlos Alcaraz has promised ‘something special’ when he returns to the sport after watching his tennis rivals closely while out injured. The world number two is currently sidelined with a wrist injury and is set to miss Wimbledon later this year.
The Spanish star pulled out of last month’s Barcelona Open and is also missing this week’s French Open, where he is the two-time defending champion. However, Alcaraz is keeping a close eye on his rivals aheaf of his return.
Speaking at the at the Princess of Girona Foundation’s awards ceremony in Spain, Alcaraz said: “I’m watching the results from home, watching my rivals compete, the tournaments I wish I could be playing in but can’t.
“Everything happens for a reason. I believe it’s fate, and that life has something special for me when I return, something beautiful.
“Now I realise that what really matters, my family, who have always been there to support me; they never forced me to play tennis but always gave me the choice and that helped me continue to enjoy it and never feel stressed.
“They’re the reason I’m the person I’m today.”
Rival Jannik Sinner has won every tournament he’s played in Alcaraz’s absence, winning the Madrid Open and the Italian Open while also being the favourite to win the Roland Garros title.
Alcaraz offered an update on his injury on social media and while he admits he’ll miss playing at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, he’s working hard to be back on the court as soon as possible.
“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,” he said on Instagram earlier this month.
“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.”