World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has officially pulled out of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, dashing hopes of a third consecutive title at the All England Club. The Spanish superstar announced the decision on social media on May 19, citing insufficient recovery from a persistent right wrist injury first sustained during the Barcelona Open in April.
“My recovery is going well and I’m feeling much better, but unfortunately I’m still not ready to compete,” Alcaraz wrote. “That’s why I have to withdraw from the grass-court swing at Queen’s and Wimbledon.” He added that he will focus on a full return “as soon as possible.”
The injury forced Alcaraz to miss the Italian Open and French Open earlier this season, where he was the defending champion. Despite optimistic early projections for a grass-court comeback, the 23-year-old’s team prioritized long-term health over rushing his return. Wrist issues are notoriously tricky in tennis due to the repetitive strain involved in every shot.
Alcaraz won Wimbledon in 2024 and 2025, establishing himself as a grass-court force with his explosive athleticism and all-court game. His absence creates a major void in the 2026 draw, boosting prospects for rivals like Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and emerging contenders. Wimbledon organizers and fans will miss the defending champion’s flair as the tournament runs from June 29 to July 12.31
Alcaraz’s team has not set a firm return date, but focus now shifts to the hard-court swing later in the summer. Tennis enthusiasts worldwide wish the young star a swift and complete recovery.
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