Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he will not take part in next month’s French Open after medical examinations revealed a wrist problem that requires caution. The world No. 2 shared the news on his social‑media accounts on Friday, stating that following the test results he and his team have decided it is wiser to sit out both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros while they monitor his recovery and determine a safe timeline for his return to competition. Alcaraz’s decision means the seven‑time Grand Slam winner will miss the chance to defend the title he captured in a dramatic fashion last year.
In that memorable final he overcame a fierce challenge from Italy’s Jannik Sinner, saving three championship points and eventually prevailing in a five‑set marathon that lasted five hours and 29 minutes, with a scoreline of 4‑6, 6‑7 (4‑7), 6‑4, 7‑6 (7‑3), 7‑6 (10‑2). The match is widely regarded as one of the greatest finals in the tournament’s history. Since that triumph, Alcaraz has continued to build an impressive résumé. He reclaimed the world No.
1 ranking by winning the US Open for the second time in 2025, and earlier in the year he captured his first Australian Open crown, becoming the youngest player ever to complete a career Grand Slam at 22 years and 258 days old. However, his recent form was interrupted when Jannik Sinner reclaimed the top spot after defeating Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo Masters final just days before the Spaniard underwent treatment for his wrist injury following his opening victory over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open. Initially, Alcaraz had hoped to compete in Paris.
He told reporters at the Laureus Sports Awards, where he was honoured as Sportsman of the Year, that the next medical test would be decisive. "We'll see," he said, emphasizing that his participation hinged on the forthcoming assessment. Unfortunately, the subsequent test results confirmed that playing in the French Open would be too risky, forcing him to withdraw not only from Roland Garros but also from the Madrid Open, where he had been slated to defend his title.
The withdrawal has significant implications for the men’s game. With Alcaraz out, Jannik Sinner now has a clearer path to complete his own career Grand Slam.
Sinner already holds the Australian Open title twice, Wimbledon in 2023, and the US Open in 2024, and a victory in Paris would give him the coveted fourth major. Sinner learned of Alcaraz’s exit during a post‑match interview after beating Benjamin Bonzi in the second round of the Madrid Open. He expressed genuine disappointment, noting that he always strives to compete against the very best, especially on clay, and wished Alcaraz a swift recovery. Commentators have also weighed in on the situation.
Naomi Broady of Sky Sports Tennis highlighted the seriousness of Alcaraz’s injury, describing it as one of his first major setbacks. She pointed out that missing the Madrid Open, the premier tournament in his home country, followed by Rome and Roland Garros, represents a substantial blow to his season and could allow Sinner to extend his lead at the top of the rankings. Beyond the immediate competitive impact, Alcaraz’s absence underscores the physical demands of modern tennis and the fine line players walk between pushing for peak performance and managing injury risk.
Wrist injuries, in particular, can be debilitating for a player whose game relies heavily on powerful groundstrokes and precise serve placement. Recovery often involves a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and gradual re‑introduction to high‑intensity training, which can take several weeks to months depending on severity. For fans, the news is disappointing, but it also opens the door for other emerging talents to make deeper runs in the clay‑court season. The French Open will still feature a strong field, including seasoned clay‑court specialists and rising stars eager to seize the opportunity presented by Alcaraz’s withdrawal.
The tournament organizers have confirmed that the draw remains unchanged, and all scheduled matches will proceed as planned. Meanwhile, Alcaraj’s team is closely monitoring his progress, and the player remains optimistic about returning to the tour later in the year.
He has hinted that he may target the latter part of the season, possibly aiming for the indoor hard‑court events or the year‑end championships, once his wrist has fully healed. The situation also highlights the importance of medical support staff and the role of advanced imaging and diagnostic tools in modern sport. Early detection of issues like stress fractures, tendonitis, or ligament strains can prevent more severe injuries and extend athletes’ careers.
Alcaraz’s decision to prioritize his health reflects a growing awareness among top athletes that long‑term wellbeing often outweighs short‑term gains. In summary, Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the French Open due to a wrist injury marks a significant turning point in the 2025 tennis calendar. While it deprives fans of a potential repeat champion and alters the competitive landscape, it also serves as a reminder of the physical toll elite sport can exact. The spotlight now shifts to Jannik Sinner, who stands poised to make history, and to the broader field of players who will vie for the coveted red‑clay title in Paris.
Alcaraz’s focus now turns to rehabilitation, with hopes of returning stronger and healthier for the remainder of the season.