Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he will miss next month’s French Open after medical examinations revealed a wrist injury that forces him to sit out the tournament. The world number two made the decision public on Friday via a social‑media post, explaining that the test results indicated a need for caution.
He wrote, "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." This statement underscores the seriousness of his condition and his desire to avoid aggravating the injury. Alcaraz’s withdrawal means that the seven‑time Grand Slam champion will not have the opportunity to defend the title he captured in an unforgettable showdown with Jannik Sinner last year.
That final, which lasted five hours and 29 minutes, saw Alcaraz rescue three championship points and ultimately prevail 4‑6, 6‑7 (4‑7), 6‑4, 7‑6 (7‑3), 7‑6 (10‑2). The marathon match is still remembered as one of the greatest finals in the history of the sport, showcasing Alcaraz’s resilience and mental toughness on the red clay of Roland Garros. The Spaniard’s recent résumé includes reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking from Sinner after winning the US Open for a second time in 2025, as well as securing his first Australian Open crown earlier this year.
That Australian victory made him the youngest player ever to complete a career Grand Slam, achieving the feat at just 22 years and 258 days old. His rapid ascent and consistent success have cemented his status as the leading figure in men’s tennis.
Sinner, meanwhile, has been riding a wave of momentum of his own. He reclaimed the top spot by defeating Alcaraz in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters earlier in the month, a victory that came just two days before Alcaraz underwent wrist treatment following his opening‑round win over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open. Sinner’s win in Monte Carlo was a clear signal that he is ready to capitalize on any opportunity that arises, including the potential to complete his own career Grand Slam now that Alcaraz is out of contention.
Alcaraz had initially hoped to compete in both the Madrid Open and the Italian Open in Rome as part of his preparation for Roland Garros. However, after his wrist was examined and the prognosis suggested a risk of further damage, he was forced to withdraw from both events. He remained cautiously optimistic on Monday at the Laureus Awards ceremony, where he was honoured as Sportsman of the Year. "We'll see," he told the audience, adding that the next medical test would be decisive in determining his return to competition.
Unfortunately, the subsequent test results confirmed that Alcaraz would miss not only the French Open but also the lead‑up tournaments in Rome and Madrid. This development is a major blow to his season, as it removes his chance to compete for a second consecutive French Open title and disrupts his rhythm ahead of the summer hard‑court swing. For Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz’s absence opens a clear path to potentially complete the career Grand Slam. Sinner already holds the Australian Open title twice, Wimbledon once, and the US Open from 2024, leaving only the French Open as the missing piece.
After learning of Alcaraz’s withdrawal during a post‑match interview following his second‑round victory over Benjamin Bonzi at the Madrid Open, Sinner expressed genuine disappointment for the sport. "It’s sad for tennis," he said. "As a competitor, I always want to play against the best in the world, and he definitely is the best on this surface. I wish him a speedy recovery." Commentators have also weighed in on the impact of the injury.
Naomi Broady of Sky Sports Tennis noted, "You have to feel for him. This is one of his first truly significant injuries. Missing Madrid, the biggest tournament in his home country, was already tough, but now missing Rome and Roland Garros will be a huge setback. It shows how serious the injury is when a player has to sit out a Grand Slam.
It’s a massive missed opportunity for him and gives Sinner a chance to pull further ahead as world No. 1." The broader tennis community will be watching Alcaraz’s recovery closely. Wrist injuries can be particularly problematic for a player whose game relies on heavy topspin, rapid changes of direction, and powerful groundstrokes.
Rehabilitation typically involves a combination of rest, physiotherapy, and gradual re‑introduction to on‑court activity, with the timeline varying based on the severity of the damage and the player’s response to treatment. In the meantime, fans can still follow the unfolding drama of the 2025 season through live broadcasts and streaming services. Sky Sports continues to provide extensive coverage of ATP and WTA events, and the NOW streaming platform offers contract‑free access to matches for subscribers.
The Sky Sports app also delivers highlights, analysis, and exclusive video content, ensuring that tennis enthusiasts stay up‑to‑date even when their favourite players are sidelined. Alcaraz’s withdrawal not only reshapes the competitive landscape of the French Open but also serves as a reminder of the physical toll elite sport can exact on even the youngest and fittest athletes. As the tennis world anticipates his return, the focus will shift to how quickly he can regain full fitness and whether he can resume his quest for further Grand Slam glory.
Until then, the spotlight will remain on his rivals, especially Sinner, who now stands on the brink of achieving a historic career milestone.