Carlos Alcaraz Delivers Surprise Jimmy Butler Injury Update After Indian Wells First Round Win

Jimmy Butler Watches Alcaraz at Indian Wells

Among that crowd was one of Alcaraz’s closest cross-sport friends, Jimmy Butler, who has become a familiar presence whenever Alcaraz plays in the United States.

Butler, who was traded to the Golden State Warriors last year, has been ruled out for the remainder of the ongoing NBA season after suffering a torn right ACL in January. His absence has left the Warriors hovering around the play-in range in the Western Conference, sitting just one game above .500.

While Butler’s injury timeline has largely remained in the background, an unlikely source provided an update on how the American is progressing: Alcaraz himself.

Alcaraz Reveals Butler’s Rehab Progress

When asked about Butler attending his opening-round match, the Spaniard not only praised his friend but also revealed how Butler is currently handling his rehabilitation.

“Yeah, he’s my guy. I knew that he was coming. He told me like, ‘You know I was just doing my rehab really close, so I’m gonna show up to watch you.’ I was just really really happy that (after) everything he’s been through with the rehab, with the knee, that he can show up and watch my match. And then having a little bit of time with him afterwards, so for me I really appreciate that. I’m not able to see him very very often, but he’s making the effort to come over. I’m just really happy about it.”

Butler will look to be fully fit by the start of next season, which could turn into yet another contract year for the veteran forward.

As for Alcaraz, he will return to action in the desert on Monday in a third-round clash against Arthur Rinderknech, a player against whom he currently holds a perfect 5-0 head-to-head record.