Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he will not compete in next month’s French Open after medical examinations revealed a wrist problem that requires caution. The world No. 2 shared the news on Friday via his social media accounts, explaining that the decision was made after reviewing the test results obtained earlier that day. He said, "Given the findings of today’s tests, the most sensible course of action is to be prudent and sit out both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros while we monitor the injury and decide when it will be safe to return to competition." Alcaraz's withdrawal means that the seven‑time Grand Slam winner will miss the chance to defend the title he captured in a dramatic fashion last year.
In that 2024 final he overcame Jannik Sinner after a grueling five‑set battle that lasted five hours and 29 minutes, saving three championship points before clinching the match 4‑6, 6‑7 (4‑7), 6‑4, 7‑6 (7‑3), 7‑6 (10‑2). The victory cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars and set up a rivalry with Sinner that has dominated men’s tennis.
Since that historic win, Alcaraz has added further accolades to his résumé. He reclaimed the world No.
1 ranking by winning the US Open for a second consecutive year in 2025, and earlier this season he captured his first Australian Open title, becoming the youngest player ever to complete a career Grand Slam at 22 years and 258 days old. However, his momentum was interrupted when Sinner recaptured the top spot after defeating Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo Masters final earlier in the month. That match took place just two days before Alcaraz received treatment for his wrist following a first‑round victory over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open.
The Spanish star initially hoped to compete in Paris, expressing optimism at the Laureus Sports Awards where he was named Sportsman of the Year. "We'll see," he told reporters, adding that the next medical assessment would be decisive.
Unfortunately, subsequent test results confirmed that he must sit out not only the French Open but also the Madrid Open, where he had been slated to defend his title, and the upcoming Rome Masters, which serves as a key preparation event for Roland Garros. Alcaraz’s absence opens a clear path for Sinner to pursue a career Grand Slam of his own.
The Italian has already secured the Australian Open twice, Wimbledon in 2023, and the US Open in 2024. In a post‑match interview after beating Benjamin Bonzi in the second round of the Madrid Open, Sinner learned of Alcaraz’s withdrawal and remarked, "It’s sad for tennis.
As a competitor, I always want to face the best on the surface, and he is definitely the best on clay. I wish him a speedy recovery." Commentators have highlighted the broader implications of the injury.
Naomi Broady of Sky Sports Tennis noted, "You have to feel for him; this is one of his first major, impactful injuries. Missing Madrid, the biggest tournament in his home country, was already a blow, but losing Rome and Roland Garros as well is a significant setback. It underscores the seriousness of the wrist issue and represents a huge missed opportunity for Alcaray, while giving Sinner a chance to extend his lead at the top of the rankings." The wrist problem appears to be more than a minor strain. Alcaraz has described the injury as a lingering pain that flares up during heavy topspin strokes, a hallmark of his aggressive baseline game on clay.
Medical experts suggest that returning too quickly could risk further damage, potentially jeopardizing his long‑term career. As a result, his team has opted for a conservative rehabilitation program that includes physiotherapy, targeted strength training, and a gradual re‑introduction to match play. While fans and analysts lament the loss of a marquee matchup at Roland Garros, the tournament will still feature a strong field, including Sinner, Novak Djokovic, and emerging talents from the ATP tour.
The absence of Alcaraz may also shift the dynamics of the draw, giving lower‑ranked players a better chance to advance deeper into the competition. In the meantime, Alcaraz remains focused on recovery.
He has pledged to keep supporters updated through his social channels and has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of well‑wishes from fellow players, coaches, and fans worldwide. "I appreciate all the messages and support," he wrote, "and I’m determined to come back stronger and ready to compete at the highest level as soon as my body allows it." The French Open will proceed without its defending champion, but the narrative of the tournament will now center on how the remaining contenders adapt to his absence and whether Sinner can finally complete the elusive career Grand Slam that has eluded him thus far.