Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he will not take part in next month’s French Open after doctors discovered a wrist problem that requires caution. The world No. 2 made the decision public on Friday via a social‑media post, explaining that recent medical tests showed it would be wiser to sit out both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros until his condition can be reassessed.
\n\n"Following the results of today’s examinations, we concluded that the safest course of action is to be prudent and skip Rome and Roland Garros while we monitor the injury and decide when it will be safe to return to competition," Alcaraz wrote. \n\nThis announcement means the seven‑time Grand Slam winner will miss the chance to defend the title he captured in a dramatic fashion last year, when he edged out Jannik Sinner in a five‑set marathon that lasted five hours and 29 minutes. In that unforgettable final, Alcaraz saved three championship points and ultimately prevailed 4‑6, 6‑7(4‑7), 6‑4, 7‑6(7‑3), 7‑6(10‑2), cementing the match as one of the greatest in recent tennis history.
\n\nAlcaraz’s recent résumé includes regaining the world No. 1 ranking by winning his second US Open title in 2025 and completing a career Grand Slam at the age of 22 years and 258 days after securing his first Australian Open crown earlier this year.
However, his momentum was interrupted when Sinner reclaimed the top spot after defeating Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo Masters final just two days before the Spaniard underwent wrist treatment following his opening‑round victory over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open. \n\nDespite a brief hope expressed on Monday that he might still compete in Paris, Alcaraz later confirmed that the latest medical assessment left him no choice but to withdraw from both the Madrid Open and the French Open. "We'll see," he told reporters at the Laureus Awards, where he was honored as Sportsman of the Year. "The next medical test will be crucial." Unfortunately, the subsequent test results ruled him out of the second Grand Slam of the season as well as the preparatory event in Rome.
\n\nAlcaraz’s absence opens a clear pathway for Sinner to complete his own career Grand Slam. The Italian has already claimed two Australian Open titles, a Wimbledon victory last year, and the 2024 US Open, leaving only the French Open to achieve the full set.
Sinner learned of Alcaraz’s withdrawal during a post‑match interview after beating Benjamin Bonzi in the second round of the Madrid Open. "It’s sad for tennis," he said.
"As a competitor I always want to face the best on this surface, and he is definitely the best on clay. I wish him a swift recovery." \n\nCommentary from Sky Sports’ tennis analyst Naomi Broady underscored the seriousness of the situation: "You have to feel for him.
This is one of his first truly significant injuries. Missing Madrid, the biggest tournament in his home country, was already a blow, but then to also miss Rome and Roland Garros is a major setback. It shows how severe the injury is when a player has to sit out a Grand Slam. It’s a huge missed opportunity for him and gives Sinner a chance to pull further ahead as world No.
1." \n\nThe withdrawal not only affects Alcaraz’s personal ambitions but also reshapes the competitive landscape of the clay season. With the Spaniard out, the draw in Paris becomes more open, giving lower‑ranked players a better chance to advance deeper into the tournament. It also intensifies the rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz, as the Italian now stands as the clear favorite to capture the title and solidify his dominance on the ATP Tour.
\n\nFans worldwide will be watching closely as the situation develops, hoping for a speedy recovery for Alcaraz. Wrist injuries can be tricky for tennis players, especially on clay where heavy topspin and long rallies place additional strain on the forearm and wrist. Rehabilitation typically involves a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and gradual return to hitting, with many athletes taking several weeks to months before feeling match‑ready again. \n\nWhile Alcaraz focuses on healing, the tennis calendar continues unabated.
The Rome Masters will proceed without him, and the French Open will feature a field eager to capitalize on the unexpected vacancy at the top. As the sport moves forward, the narrative will shift from Alcaraz’s dominance to the question of who can step into the void and claim the clay crown in his absence. \n\nFor now, the tennis community sends its best wishes to the young Spaniard, hoping that his wrist recovers fully and that he returns to the court stronger than ever, ready to resume his pursuit of further Grand Slam glory.