BREAKING: Carlos Alcaraz plans UK return after pulling out of another tournament
Carlos Alcaraz might have been forced to miss Wimbledon this summer due to his ongoing wrist injury, but the world No. 2 is planning to compete in London next month. The Spanish superstar has been sidelined since April and recently pulled out of next week’s Cincinnati Open, delaying his comeback.
It’s still hoped that he could be ready in time for the US Open, but beyond that, the seven-time Grand Slam champion has already committed to representing Team Europe at the Laver Cup for the third time in his career.
The Ryder Cup-style team tournament was co-founded by Roger Federer in 2017, and Alcaraz made his tournament debut two years ago in Berlin, where he helped guide Team Europe to victory. However, last year in San Francisco, they relinquished their trophy to Team World.
As Alcaraz continues to plot his comeback from injury, he’s still committed to the Laver Cup, which takes place from September 25 to 27 in London’s O2 Arena.
Explaining why he wanted to return to the team event, the former world No. 1 said: “Well, I think first of all, the atmosphere we experience at the Laver Cup is totally different than other tournaments, playing alongside players that you are used to fighting against each other during the whole year.
“Having them as teammates is really special. That’s unique and that’s what makes me come back.
Alcaraz will first have to worry about his US Open title defence, should he be ready to return to Flushing Meadows later this month. But he’s also made it his mission to bring the Laver Cup trophy back to Europe.
“My goal for Laver Cup 2026 is to bring the trophy back to Europe. I’m going to do whatever it takes to give Yannick [Noah, team captain] and Tim [Henman, vice captain] the trophy they deserve. It’s going to be a great moment to play in London and to have the crowd behind us,” the Spaniard added.
This year marks the first time the Laver Cup returns to a previous venue. Four years ago, Roger Federer ended his career after playing a doubles match alongside Rafael Nadal at the team event, saying farewell at the O2 Arena, with Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray also on the bench for Team Europe.
This year, Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Flavio Cobolli, Casper Ruud, Jakub Mensik, and Rafael Jodar will represent Europe. Alex de Minaur, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Alexander Bublik, Learner Tien and Tommy Paul will play for Team World, under captain Andre Agassi and vice captain Pat Rafter.
