Carlos Alcaraz’s recuperation from his ankle injury appears to be progressing positively, as the two-time Grand Slam champion is now seen walking without difficulty and has even resumed his responsibilities as a ballboy.
The world No. 2 faced an abrupt end to his Rio Open campaign after just two games, sustaining an ankle injury during his first-round match against Thiago Monteiro, where he rolled his ankle on the second point. Despite receiving treatment from the ATP physiotherapist and attempting to continue, he ultimately retired from the match with the score tied at 1-1, visibly limping off the court and leaving in a golf cart.
However, Alcaraz has shared an encouraging update following an MRI scan, indicating that he should be ready for his upcoming commitments – The Netflix Slam in Las Vegas and the Indian Wells Open – despite being diagnosed with a grade II ankle sprain.
Remaining committed to his original schedule, Alcaraz has chosen to stay in Rio de Janeiro until March 1 before traveling to the United States. Despite his ankle still being heavily strapped and not fully recovered, the 20-year-old has resumed training and has even taken on the role of a ball boy for his brother Alvaro, who is also his hitting partner.
Carlos Alcaraz segue no Rio de Janeiro apesar de ter desistido na primeira rodada. Imagens do @BrunoAlencastro de agora pouco no Jockey @Bola_Amarela pic.twitter.com/gx7d3VGHdi
— bruno da silva (@ibrunodasilva) February 23, 2024
Alvaro, aged 24, has been training with Carlos for several years, but with Carlos unable to participate fully due to his injury, Alvaro has stepped in to practice with Serbian tennis player Dusan Lajovic.
Carlos Alcaraz’s next match is scheduled for March 3 in The Netflix Slam in Las Vegas, where he will face Rafael Nadal, with the event set to be broadcast on the streaming platform. Following this, he will defend his title at the Indian Wells Open, starting on March 6, and continue with the Miami Open, completing the Sunshine Double.
