Reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to withdraw from the upcoming tournament due to a wrist injury, announcing his decision on social media. Alcaraz, currently ranked second in the world, explained that the results of recent tests led him to decide it would be prudent to skip both the Rome and Roland Garros events while awaiting further assessment to determine his return to the court. This means Alcaraz will not have the opportunity to defend his title, which he won in a thrilling match against Jannik Sinner last year.
The victory was one for the ages, with Alcaraz saving three championship points and emerging victorious in a stunning 4-6 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) 7-6 (10-2) win that lasted five hours and 29 minutes. Alcaraz had recently regained the world number one spot from Sinner by winning the US Open for the second time in 2025 and claiming his maiden Australian Open title, becoming the youngest to achieve a career Grand Slam at 22 years and 258 days.
However, Sinner reclaimed the top spot after defeating Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo Masters final. Alcaraz's withdrawal from the French Open, as well as the Madrid Open, due to his wrist injury, had been anticipated after he received treatment during his opening win at the Barcelona Open. Despite expressing hope to play in Paris, the medical test results ultimately led to his withdrawal.
This development opens the door for Sinner to complete his own career Grand Slam, having already won the Australian Open twice, Wimbledon, and the US Open in 2024. Upon learning of Alcaraz's withdrawal, Sinner expressed sadness for the sport, wishing Alcaraz a speedy recovery and acknowledging him as one of the best in the world on clay surfaces.
Tennis commentator Naomi Broady shared her thoughts on Alcaraz's withdrawal, expressing sympathy and highlighting the seriousness of the injury that led to his decision to miss a Grand Slam, which also gives Sinner the chance to solidify his position as world number one.