Defending champion Carlos Alcaraj has announced that he will not take part in the upcoming French Open after doctors identified a wrist problem that requires careful management. The world number two made the decision public on Friday via a social‑media post, explaining that recent medical examinations indicated that the safest course of action is to sit out both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros while his condition is monitored. "Following the results of the tests carried out today, we have concluded that the most prudent approach is to be cautious and skip Rome and Roland Garros, allowing us time to assess the injury’s progression and decide when it will be safe to return to competition," Alcaraj wrote.
This announcement means that the seven‑time Grand Slam winner will be unable to defend the title he captured in a dramatic fashion last year, when he edged out Jannik Sinner in a marathon final that stretched to five hours and 29 minutes. In that unforgettable match, Alcaraj saved three championship points and ultimately prevailed 4‑6, 6‑7 (4‑7), 6‑4, 7‑6 (7‑3), 7‑6 (10‑2), a performance that many analysts now rank among the greatest finals in tennis history. Alcaraj’s recent résumé includes reclaiming the world No.
1 ranking from Sinner by winning the US Open for a second consecutive year in 2025, and earlier this season he secured his first Australian Open crown, becoming the youngest player ever to complete a career Grand Slam at just 22 years and 258 days old. The injury, however, appears to have been aggravated during the Monte Carlo Masters, where Sinner reclaimed the top spot by defeating Alcaraj in the final.
Two days later, while competing in the Barcelona Open, Alcaraj required treatment for his wrist after a first‑round victory over Otto Virtanen. Despite hopes of a quick recovery, the subsequent medical assessments forced him to withdraw not only from the French Open but also from the Madrid Open, which was scheduled to follow. At the Laureus Awards, where Alcaraj was honored as Sportsman of the Year, he hinted that a future test could still determine his participation in Paris: "We'll see.
The next medical test will be crucial." Unfortunately, the latest results have confirmed that he will miss the second Grand Slam of the calendar year as well as the preparatory tournament in Rome. Alcaraj’s absence opens a clear path for Sinner to complete his own career Grand Slam. The Italian has already collected titles at the Australian Open (twice), Wimbledon (last year), and the US Open (2024), and a victory in Paris would give him the elusive French Open crown.
Sinner learned of Alcaraj’s withdrawal during a post‑match interview after beating Benjamin Bonzi in the second round of the Madrid Open. He 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 is definitely the best on this surface. I wish him a speedy recovery." Naomi Broady, a Sky Sports tennis analyst, offered her perspective on the situation: "You have to feel for him.
This is one of his first truly significant injuries. First we felt sorry for him missing Madrid, the biggest tournament in his home country, and now he also has to sit out Rome and Roland Garros.
That’s a huge blow. It shows how serious the injury is when a player has to miss a Grand Slam. It’s a massive missed opportunity for him and gives Sinner a chance to pull further ahead in the rankings." The withdrawal not only impacts Alcaraj’s personal quest for another major title but also reshapes the competitive landscape of the clay season.
Without the defending champion, the draw opens up for other contenders, and the narrative surrounding the tournament will now focus on who can seize the opportunity left by Alcaraj’s exit. Fans and commentators alike will be watching closely as Sinner prepares for what could be a historic achievement, while Alcaraj embarks on a rehabilitation program aimed at returning to full fitness. The tennis community hopes that the Spanish star will recover swiftly and be back on the court for the remainder of the season, perhaps targeting the upcoming hard‑court swing and the next year’s French Open. In the meantime, broadcasters such as Sky Sports continue to provide extensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours, offering live streams, highlights, and analysis through their app and partner platforms.
Viewers can stay up‑to‑date with match results, player interviews, and expert commentary as the season progresses, even as the sport navigates the challenges posed by injuries to its top athletes.