Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, who has already lifted the French Open trophy twice, now faces uncertainty about his ability to compete at Roland Garros because of a lingering right‑wrist problem. The Spanish star, currently ranked world No. 2, explained 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 after being honored as Sportsman of the Year at the Laureus awards ceremony on Monday.
Speaking to Spanish broadcaster TVE, the seven‑time Grand Slam winner, who withdrew from the Madrid Open earlier this week, said, “We’ll see. The next medical test is crucial.” He added that his team is doing everything possible to ensure the upcoming scans and evaluations provide a clear picture of his wrist’s condition. “I’m trying to be very patient,” he said, “but we’re in a good place; we’re just waiting for the results.” The young Spaniard’s recent tournament schedule has already been disrupted. After a successful opening match in Barcelona, where he defeated Finland’s Otto Virtanen 6‑4, 6‑2, Alcaraz felt a sharp pain in his wrist and immediately sought treatment.
The following day he announced his withdrawal from the Barcelona Open, citing the need for further medical attention. The injury also forced him out of the Madrid Open, a key warm‑up event for the French Open, raising concerns among fans and analysts about his form and fitness heading into the clay season. In a candid interview, Alcaraz tried to keep a positive outlook despite the setback. “I’ve been trying to stay upbeat, even though these days feel a bit long,” the 22‑year‑old said.
He emphasized that his focus remains on recovery and that he will respect whatever advice the doctors provide. “We have a few tests in the next few days and then we’ll see how the injury is, and what the next steps will be,” he reiterated. The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the physical toll that elite tennis places on young players. Alcaraz, who burst onto the scene with a meteoric rise, has already endured a grueling schedule that includes deep runs in multiple Grand Slams, a demanding ATP Tour calendar, and the pressure of defending a major title.
Wrist injuries are particularly troublesome for modern baseliners, as the shot repertoire—heavy topspin forehands, powerful backhands, and a versatile serve—relies heavily on wrist flexibility and strength. While Alcaraz’s status remains in limbo, other athletes were making headlines at the same Laureus ceremony. Belarusian powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka, who was named Sportswoman of the Year, described feeling “goosebumps” as she joined a distinguished roll of honour that includes legends such as Jennifer Capriati, Justine Henin, Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, as well as icons from other sports like Simone Biles, Shelly‑Ann Fraser‑Pryce, Annika Sörenstam and Lindsey Vonn.
Sabalenka reflected on the emotional weight of seeing her name alongside those she has admired throughout her career, noting, “It’s a bit crazy to know my name will be next to those legends. It’s both emotional and speechless. This is big.” The awards ceremony in Madrid, hosted by tennis great Novak Djokovic and freestyle‑skiing star Eileen Gu, highlighted the cross‑sport camaraderie that the Laureus brand seeks to celebrate.
While Alcaraz’s future at Roland Garros hangs in the balance, the event underscored the broader narrative of resilience and achievement that defines elite competition. For tennis fans eager to follow the unfolding drama, live coverage of the ATP and WTA tours is available via Sky Sports, the NOW streaming platform, or the Sky Sports app.
Subscribers can enjoy an expanded live‑sport offering—more than 50 percent additional content at no extra charge—ensuring that every twist in Alcaraz’s recovery, as well as the performances of his rivals, can be watched in real time. In the coming days, the tennis world will be watching closely as Alcaraz undergoes his medical assessments. Should the tests confirm a manageable injury, the Spanish prodigy could still line up for the French Open and attempt a historic third title on the clay. Conversely, a more serious diagnosis might force him to sit out the tournament, opening the draw for other contenders and reshaping the narrative of the 2024 Roland Garros.
Regardless of the outcome, Alcaraz’s determination, combined with his youthful talent, suggests that his comeback—whenever it arrives—will be a story worth following.