World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has suffered a major injury blow after confirming he will miss the upcoming Miami Open due to wrist surgery earlier this month. The Spaniard’s withdrawal reshapes the hard-court swing and injects fresh uncertainty into the ATP title race.
Surgery halts Carlos Alcaraz's hard-court campaign
Alcaraz underwent a corrective procedure on his right wrist on February 11, 2026, following persistent discomfort that had limited his practice sessions in recent weeks. While the operation was deemed successful and the early stages of recovery have progressed smoothly, his camp has opted against accelerating the timeline for a Miami appearance.
The 22-year-old acknowledged the frustration surrounding his absence but underlined a bigger objective. He said he wants to be fully fit for the Grand Slam and Masters events later in the season, and is focused on a conservative return to avoid setbacks.
Phased return planned ahead of clay season
Carlos Alcaraz's rehabilitation will follow a structured progression. Formal training is expected to resume toward the end of March, with on-court hitting gradually introduced if strength and mobility benchmarks are achieved. Medical staff will closely monitor grip stability, wrist flexibility, and his ability to withstand high-intensity exchanges without discomfort.
The first potential comeback event is the Monte-Carlo Masters, scheduled to begin on April 6. However, officials have made clear that participation remains dependent on how his wrist responds during the final stages of rehab.
Ranking ramifications and Roland Garros focus
Missing Miami carries immediate ranking implications. As a Masters 1000 tournament, the event offers significant points, and Alcaraz’s absence opens the door for top contenders to gain ground during the North American swing.
The timing also impacts preparations for French Open, where match rhythm is often critical heading into the demanding clay stretch. By stepping back now, his team is prioritizing long-term durability over short-term gains, aiming to ensure he arrives at Roland Garros in peak physical condition.
Tournament organizers are already adjusting entry lists, while fans across the tennis community have rallied behind the Spaniard with messages of support. For now, the focus remains on controlled recovery and a steady buildup toward clay-court competition.
Carlos Alcaraz’s road back begins in rehab, but the spotlight will firmly return once he tests his wrist under match pressure.