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 careful management. The world No. 2 made the decision public on Friday via a post on his social‑media accounts, explaining that the test results indicated it would be wiser to err on the side of caution and skip both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros while his condition is monitored.
"After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing is to be cautious and not participate in Rome and Roland Garros, while we wait to assess the evolution to decide when we will return to the court," Alcaraz wrote, adding that his team will continue to evaluate his recovery before setting a timeline for his return to competition. The withdrawal means that the seven‑time Grand Slam champion will be unable to defend the title he captured in a dramatic fashion last year.
In the 2024 final, Alcaraz overcame a fierce challenge from Jannik Sinner, saving three championship points and eventually prevailing 4‑6, 6‑7 (4‑7), 6‑4, 7‑6 (7‑3), 7‑6 (10‑2) in a marathon match that lasted five hours and 29 minutes – a contest widely regarded as one of the greatest finals in recent memory. Alcaraz’s absence from the French Open also has broader implications for the ATP rankings.
Earlier in the season he reclaimed the world No. 1 spot from Sinner by winning his second US Open title in 2025, and he completed a career Grand Slam at the Australian Open earlier this year, becoming the youngest player ever to do so at 22 years and 258 days old.
Those achievements have set the stage for a compelling rivalry between the Spaniard and the Italian, who recently bested Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo Masters final. Sinner’s victory in Monte Carlo came just two days before Alcaraz underwent wrist treatment following his opening‑round win over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open.
The Italian’s triumph in Monte Carlo, followed by his win over Benjamin Bonzi in the second round of the Madrid Open, placed him in a strong position to capitalize on Alcaraz’s misfortune. In a post‑match interview after learning of the Spaniard’s withdrawal, Sinner expressed disappointment for the sport, saying, "It’s sad for tennis.
As a competitor, I always want to play against the best in the world, and he definitely is the best on clay. I wish him a speedy recovery." Alcaraz had initially hoped to compete in Paris, as he told reporters at the Laureus Sports Awards, where he was named Sportsman of the Year. "We'll see," he said, emphasizing that the next medical test would be decisive.
Unfortunately, the subsequent examinations confirmed that he would miss not only Roland Garros but also the Madrid Open and the Italian Open, dealing a significant blow to his season and to the excitement surrounding a potential title defense. The Spanish star’s withdrawal opens a clearer path for Sinner to complete his own career Grand Slam. Having already won the Australian Open twice, Wimbledon in 2023, and the US Open in 2024, a victory at Roland Garros would give the Italian the elusive missing piece of the career‑Grand‑Slam puzzle.
Commentators have highlighted the seriousness of Alcaraz’s injury. Naomi Broady of Sky Sports Tennis remarked, "You have to feel for him. This is one of his first truly impactful injuries.
Missing Madrid, the biggest tournament in his home country, and then Rome and Roland Garros is a huge setback. It shows how serious the injury is that he’s forced to miss a Grand Slam.
It’s a massive missed opportunity for him and gives Sinner the chance to pull away as world No. 1." Beyond the immediate competitive ramifications, Alcaraz’s withdrawal underscores the physical demands placed on modern tennis players, who must navigate a grueling calendar that includes back‑to‑back tournaments on different surfaces.
Wrist injuries are particularly concerning for players who rely on heavy topspin and powerful groundstrokes, as the joint endures repetitive stress throughout long matches. Medical experts suggest that a cautious approach, including rest, physiotherapy, and a gradual return to full training, is essential for long‑term health.
Alcaraz’s team appears to be following this protocol, opting to skip the upcoming clay events to give the wrist adequate time to heal. Fans can expect updates as the situation evolves, and many hope to see the young Spaniard back on court before the end of the season. For tennis enthusiasts who want to stay up‑to‑date on the latest scores, match previews, and player news, Sky Sports offers a range of platforms, including a dedicated app and streaming service NOW.
The network provides live coverage of ATP and WTA events, highlights, and in‑depth analysis, ensuring that followers can keep track of the sport even when a marquee player like Alcaraz is sidelined. In summary, Carlos Alcaraz’s decision to withdraw from the French Open due to a wrist injury marks a significant moment in the 2025 tennis calendar. While it deprives fans of a potential title defense and alters the competitive landscape, it also highlights the importance of player health and the fine line athletes walk between ambition and injury prevention. The tennis world will be watching closely as Alcaraz’s recovery progresses, hoping that the Spaniard can return to form and continue his remarkable ascent in the sport.