Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who has already lifted the French Open trophy twice, now faces a serious question about his ability to compete at Roland Garros because of a troublesome right‑wrist problem. The 22‑year‑old Spaniard, currently ranked world No. 2, disclosed that a series of medical examinations scheduled over the next few days will determine whether he can take the court in Paris when the tournament begins in roughly a month.
Alcaraz made the comments shortly after he was honored as Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus Awards on Monday, an accolade that underscored his rapid rise in the sport. Speaking to Spanish broadcaster TVE, the seven‑time Grand Slam winner, who had to pull out of the Madrid Open earlier this week, said, "We'll see.
The next medical test will be crucial." He added that his team is doing everything possible to ensure the upcoming scans and assessments go smoothly, and that he is trying to remain patient while awaiting the results. "We've been trying to do everything we can to make sure that this test goes well.
I'm trying to be very patient. But we are good, we are just waiting a little bit," Alcaraz explained.
"We have a few tests in the next few days and then we will see how the injury is, and what the next steps will be." The wrist issue first became public after Alcaraz withdrew from the Barcelona Open a day after receiving treatment for the same injury during his opening match, which he had won 6‑4, 6‑2 against Finland's Otto Virtanen. The early exit from Barcelona was a clear signal that the problem was more than a minor niggle, prompting his camp to adopt a cautious approach.
In the meantime, the young Spaniard is attempting to keep a positive mindset despite the prolonged recovery period. "For now, I've been trying to stay positive, to stay upbeat, even though these days have become a bit too long," he said, acknowledging the mental strain that comes with an extended lay‑off from competition. Alcaraz’s situation is not isolated within the tennis world.
At the same Laureus ceremony, Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka was named Sportswoman of the Year, joining a distinguished roll of honour that includes legends such as Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, as well as athletes from other disciplines like gymnast Simone Biles, sprinter Shelly‑Ann Fraser‑Pryce, golfer Annika Sörenstam and skier Lindsey Vonn. Sabalenka described the moment as "crazy" and "emotional," noting that seeing her name alongside those icons was both humbling and exhilarating. The awards ceremony, held in Madrid, was co‑hosted by tennis great Novak Djokovic and freestyle‑skiing sensation Eileen Gu, highlighting the cross‑sport camaraderie that the Laureus event promotes. Returning to Alcaraz, the stakes are high.
As the defending champion, he entered the French Open with the expectation of a strong title defence, and his withdrawal would dramatically reshape the draw. The wrist is a critical joint for any tennis player, especially one whose game relies heavily on powerful forehands, precise backhands, and a versatile serve. Even a slight reduction in wrist mobility or strength can affect shot selection, spin generation, and overall confidence during long rallies on the clay surface. Medical experts typically evaluate wrist injuries in tennis players through a combination of imaging—such as MRI or ultrasound—to assess soft‑tissue damage, alongside functional tests that gauge range of motion and grip strength.
Rehabilitation protocols may involve rest, physiotherapy, targeted strengthening exercises, and, in some cases, surgical intervention if there is significant ligament or tendon damage. Alcaraz’s team, which includes his long‑time coach Juan Carlos Ferrero and a cadre of physiotherapists, will likely weigh the risks of returning too early against the potential reward of defending his title.
A premature comeback could exacerbate the injury, possibly leading to a longer-term setback, while a cautious approach could preserve his health for the remainder of the season, including upcoming hard‑court events and the ATP Finals. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely, as Alcaraz’s performance this year has already been a story of meteoric success.
Since breaking onto the tour, he has captured multiple major titles, climbed to a career‑high ranking of world No. 2, and earned a reputation for his aggressive baseline play, athleticism, and mental toughness.
His absence from Roland Garros would not only be a personal disappointment but also a significant shift in the tournament’s narrative, opening the door for other contenders to seize the moment. In the broader context, Alcaraz’s injury highlights the physical demands placed on modern tennis players, who compete in a grueling calendar that spans all four continents and includes a mix of surfaces.
The sport’s evolution toward more powerful, high‑speed rallies has increased the strain on joints, particularly the wrists, elbows, and shoulders. As a result, many top players now incorporate comprehensive injury‑prevention programs into their training regimens, emphasizing flexibility, strength, and recovery.
Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming tests, Alcaraz’s determination to stay optimistic and his willingness to give his body the time it needs reflect a mature approach to career longevity. Should he be cleared to play, the tennis world will eagerly anticipate his return to the red clay, where he will aim to replicate the brilliance that made him a two‑time French Open champion.
If the tests reveal that further rest is necessary, fans can expect a measured comeback later in the season, with the young Spaniard likely to use the extra time to fully rehabilitate his wrist and return stronger than ever. For now, all eyes remain on the medical reports that will shape Alcaraz’s immediate future, and the tennis community continues to send supportive messages, hoping that the champion’s wrist will heal sufficiently for him to defend his crown at one of the sport’s most storied venues.