Two‑time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz is facing a precarious situation as a right‑wrist problem threatens his ability to compete at the upcoming French Open. The 22‑year‑old Spaniard, currently ranked world No. 2, has been forced to withdraw from recent tournaments, and the next series of medical examinations will determine whether he can step onto the clay courts in Paris a month from now.
Alcaraz spoke to Spanish television channel TVE shortly after being honored as Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus awards on Monday. He admitted that his future at Roland Garros remains uncertain, saying, "We'll see.
The next medical test will be crucial." The seven‑time Grand Slam champion emphasized that his team is doing everything possible to ensure a thorough assessment, adding, "I'm trying to be very patient. 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 surfaced during the Barcelona Open, where Alcaraz withdrew a day after receiving treatment for the injury in his opening match—a straight‑sets victory, 6‑4, 6‑2, over Finland's Otto Virtanen. He subsequently pulled out of the Madrid Open as well, opting to give his body time to heal rather than risk aggravating the problem. Despite the setback, Alcaraz has tried to maintain a positive outlook.
"For now, I've been trying to stay positive, to stay upbeat, even though these days have become a bit too long," he told reporters. His optimism reflects his competitive nature and his desire to defend the title he captured last year by defeating Novak Djokovic in a dramatic five‑set final.
The wrist injury is particularly concerning for a player whose game relies heavily on precise, aggressive groundstrokes and a powerful serve. Even a minor limitation in wrist mobility can affect timing, spin, and the ability to generate the depth that has become a hallmark of Alcaraz's play. Medical experts note that wrist injuries in tennis often require a careful balance of rest, physiotherapy, and, in some cases, surgical intervention if conservative measures fail. Alcaraz's situation also adds an extra layer of intrigue to the French Open field.
With the defending champion in doubt, other contenders—such as Novak Djokovic, who is chasing a record‑tying 24th Grand Slam title, and rising star Jannik Sinner—see an opening to make deeper runs. The tournament organizers have already prepared contingency plans, but the atmosphere among fans and players alike is charged with anticipation.
While Alcaraz awaits his test results, the tennis world has turned its attention to other stories from the Laureus ceremony. Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka, who was named Sportswoman of the Year, described the honor as "goosebumps"‑inducing.
She reflected on joining a distinguished roll of honour that includes legends like Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and athletes from other disciplines such as Simone Biles, Shelly‑Ann Fraser‑Pryce, Annika Sörenstam, and Lindsey Vonn. Sabalenka said, "When I see the list of winners from previous years, it makes me feel a little bit crazy to know that my name is going to be next to those legends—those athletes that I watched, I looked up to—but also, a little emotional and speechless right now. This is big.
In all the sports, there are so many great strong, powering, inspiring women who do incredible, inspiring things, and to receive this award means a lot." The awards ceremony in Madrid was co‑hosted by tennis icon Novak Djokovic and freestyle skier Eileen Gu, highlighting the cross‑sport camaraderie that the Laureus awards aim to celebrate. Their presence underscored the global nature of sport and the shared challenges athletes face, from injuries like Alcaraz's to the mental pressures of competing at the highest level. For fans eager to follow the unfolding drama, live coverage of the ATP and WTA tours is available via Sky Sports, NOW, and the Sky Sports app. These platforms provide access to more than 50 percent additional live sport this year at no extra cost for Sky Sports customers, ensuring that viewers can keep up with every development—from Alcaraz's medical updates to the start of the French Open and beyond.
In summary, Carlos Alcaraz's right‑wrist injury has placed his participation in the French Open in a state of limbo. The next few days will be decisive as medical tests determine the severity of the problem and outline a recovery plan.
Meanwhile, the tennis community watches closely, aware that the outcome will not only affect Alcaraz's personal quest for a third Roland Garros title but also reshape the competitive landscape of one of the sport's most prestigious events.