Mark Philippoussis is urging patience with Carlos Alcaraz as the Spanish star continues his recovery from a right wrist injury that has kept him sidelined for over three months. Speaking exclusively to Tennis365 during Wimbledon, the two-time Grand Slam finalist was candid about the challenges wrist injuries present, calling the situation 'complicated' while expressing genuine hope for a swift return.
'The tennis world needs him,' Philippoussis said, praising the 23-year-old's impact on the sport and his status as a former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam champion. The Australian great made clear he believes Alcaraz will take no shortcuts, noting that a player of his caliber is 'not going to rush the process.'
Alcaraz has been absent since picking up the wrist problem during his opening-round victory at the Barcelona Open in April. The injury caused him to miss a staggering stretch of the calendar, including the Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome, the French Open, and Wimbledon. He will also skip the Canadian Open in Montreal, which begins August 1.
However, there is cautious optimism building around the Cincinnati Open, starting August 13. Spanish outlet La Verdad reported that Alcaraz's team is targeting that event for his comeback, with his wrist described as fully healed and training loads gradually increasing.
Former world No. 4 and 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek also weighed in, backing Alcaraz to return to full form before year's end, citing the player's youth and strong recovery ability as key factors.
With the US Open approaching fast, the race against time is real. TennisDraw users have been closely watching Alcaraz's bracket placement, uncertain whether to back the Spaniard in their Flushing Meadows predictions.
