Carlos Alcaraz is accelerating his return from a nagging right wrist injury. The Spaniard posted Instagram videos of himself hitting tennis balls left-handed to keep his game sharp without stressing the damaged wrist.
The 23-year-old Spaniard has been sidelined since mid-April after picking up the injury during his opening match at the Barcelona Open. It has already forced him to miss key events, including the Madrid Open, the Italian Open, the French Open, the Queen's Club, and Wimbledon.
Alcaraz's latest sightings show real progress in his rehabilitation. He's been spotted in Portugal enjoying beach time, playing football, and now incorporating left-handed racket work to maintain feel and timing.
Alcaraz entered 2026 as one of the most exciting talents in tennis, fresh off multiple Grand Slam titles and a reputation for electric shot-making that had fans comparing him to legends like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. His wrist issue flared up in Barcelona and proved more stubborn than initially expected.
This injury couldn't have come at a worse time, momentum-wise. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner had dominated the Grand Slams for the past couple of years, winning nearly all of them between them. Their absence created space for a new champion at the French Open and shifted the narrative around the next generation stepping up.
Yet for Alcaraz personally, the break might offer long-term benefits if managed right. He's spoken before about wanting a sustainable career, not burning out young. Taking time now to fully recover could prevent bigger issues down the line, especially given how physical his style is.
Fans have been vocal online, mixing concern with excitement at every positive update. Seeing him active on social media, smiling and moving freely, has lifted spirits after months of uncertainty.
Carlos Alcaraz first withdrew from Barcelona after winning his opening match. He tried to push through, but medical checks showed the wrist needed rest. By late April, he confirmed via Instagram that he would skip Rome and Paris. In May, he ruled out the grass swing, too.
Recent images from Portugal showed him ditching the heavy brace for lighter support, juggling a ball on the beach with ease, and interacting warmly with fans. No signs of lost muscle or major setbacks, according to observers.
His left-handed sessions add another layer. By using his non-dominant hand, he can groove strokes, work on footwork, and keep his competitive instincts alive without loading the injured wrist. It's a smart, proactive move that shows his team is thinking creatively about rehab.
The big question remains his exact return date. Reports suggest he's targeting the North American hard-court swing, building toward the US Open later this summer. No official confirmation yet, but the signs are encouraging: lighter support, beach activity, and now these left-handed tennis sessions.
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