Greg Rusedski says Carlos Alcaraz likely won’t be fit for Wimbledon

Greg Rusedski said on May 19 that he does not expect Carlos Alcaraz to be ready for Wimbledon as the Spaniard continues his recovery from a right wrist injury. Tennis365 reported the former world number four saying Alcaraz was unlikely to return in time for the grass-court major in late June. The comment came after Alcaraz withdrew from Roland Garros, where he had been due to defend his title. His absence has already altered the shape of the men’s draw before play begins in Paris on May 24. ### What exactly did Rusedski say about Wimbledon? Greg Rusedski said on May 19 that he did not think Alcaraz would return from his wrist injury in time for Wimbledon this June, according to Tennis365. The report said Rusedski viewed the injury outlook as serious enough that a rushed comeback would be the wrong approach. (tennis365.com) Tennis365 also reported that Alcaraz has enough ranking points cushion over Alexander Zverev that his position near the top of the standings should not be the main factor in any return decision. Rusedski’s comments were framed around recovery rather than ranking pressure. (tennis365.com) ### What has Alcaraz already missed? Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from Roland Garros with a wrist injury, OLBG reported on May 18. ESPN’s tennis coverage also carried video noting that Alcaraz would not defend his French Open title because of the wrist problem. (tennis365.com) May 24 is the start date for Roland Garros, according to ESPN’s 2026 ATP schedule. The tournament runs through June 7 in Paris, leaving a short turnaround before the grass-court swing intensifies. ### How has Alcaraz’s withdrawal changed the French Open picture? Jannik Sinner became the clear betting favorite after Alcaraz’s withdrawal, with OLBG listing him at 2/7. (olbg.com) The same report said Alcaraz’s absence had opened the door in the men’s field ahead of the tournament. (espn.com) The shift matters because Alcaraz had been one of the central names in the Roland Garros buildup. Without him, the pre-tournament conversation has moved more heavily toward Sinner’s form and the rest of the contenders in Paris. That is an inference based on Alcaraz’s withdrawal and the change in outright odds. (olbg.com) ### Why does Wimbledon timing now look tight? June 29 is the scheduled start of Wimbledon, according to ESPN’s 2026 ATP calendar. That leaves just over three weeks between the end of Roland Garros on June 7 and the start of the year’s third Grand Slam. Grass-court preparation usually includes warm-up events in Stuttgart, ’s-Hertogenbosch, Halle, Queen’s, Eastbourne or Mallorca, all of which are listed on the ATP schedule between June 8 and June 27. (olbg.com) Missing Roland Garros therefore does not automatically rule out Wimbledon, but Rusedski’s comment indicates he does not expect Alcaraz’s recovery to move that quickly. (espn.com) ### What comes next on the calendar? May 24 is the next key date, when Roland Garros begins in Paris without Alcaraz in the field. June 29 is the scheduled opening day of Wimbledon in London, the event Rusedski said Alcaraz is unlikely to make. (espn.com)