Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he will miss next month’s French Open after doctors discovered a wrist problem that could worsen if he competes. The world No. 2 made the decision public on Friday via a social‑media post, explaining that recent medical tests indicated the safest course of action would be to sit out both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros while his condition is monitored. \n\n"Following the results of today’s examinations, we concluded that the most prudent approach is to exercise caution and skip the tournaments in Rome and Paris until we can evaluate the injury’s progression and determine a realistic timeline for a return to the court," Alcaraz wrote.
\n\nThe announcement means the seven‑time Grand Slam champion will be unable to defend the title he captured in a dramatic showdown with fellow Spaniard Jannik Sinner last year. That final, which lasted five hours and 29 minutes, saw Alcaraz survive three championship points and ultimately triumph 4‑6, 6‑7 (4‑7), 6‑4, 7‑6 (7‑3), 7‑6 (10‑2). The match is still remembered as one of the most thrilling finals in French Open history. \n\nAlcaraz’s recent résumé is impressive.
After his 2024 French Open victory, he reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking by winning the US Open for a second consecutive year, and earlier in the season 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 momentum was halted when Sinner reclaimed the top spot after defeating Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo Masters final just two days before Alcaraz underwent wrist treatment following his opening‑round win over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open.
\n\nIn the days that followed, Alcaraz also withdrew from the Madrid Open and, despite expressing optimism on Monday that he might still compete in Paris, the subsequent medical assessment confirmed that he would miss the second Grand Slam of the year as well as the lead‑up event in Rome. "We'll see," he told reporters at the Laureus Awards, where he was named Sportsman of the Year.
"The next medical test will be crucial." \n\nThe withdrawal has significant implications for the rest of the men’s tour. With Alcaraz out, Jannik Sinner now has a clear path to complete his own career Grand Slam.
Sinner, who already holds two Australian Open titles, a Wimbledon crown from 2023, and the 2024 US Open, learned of Alcaraz’s absence during a post‑match interview after beating Benjamin Bonzi in the second round of the Madrid Open. "It’s sad for tennis," Sinner said. "As a competitor, I always want to face the best on the surface, and Carlos is definitely the best on clay.
I wish him a speedy recovery." \n\nCommentators have also weighed in on the situation. Naomi Broady of Sky Sports Tennis remarked, "You have to feel for him.
This is one of his first major, impactful injuries. Missing Madrid, the biggest tournament in his home country, was already a blow, but having to skip Rome and Roland Garros as well is a huge setback. It underlines how serious the injury is when a player has to miss a Grand Slam.
It’s a massive missed opportunity for Carlos and gives Jannik a chance to widen his lead as world No. 1." \n\nAlcaraz’s decision to prioritize his health reflects a growing awareness among top athletes about the long‑term risks of playing through injuries.
Wrist problems are particularly concerning for tennis players because they affect both serve and groundstroke mechanics. A rushed return could lead to chronic issues that might shorten a career. By opting for a conservative rehabilitation plan, Alcaraz hopes to return stronger for the remainder of the season, including the hard‑court swing later in the year. \n\nFans and analysts will now turn their attention to the upcoming clay events without the defending champion.
The Rome Masters will proceed without Alcaraz, offering other contenders a chance to claim a prestigious title and improve their rankings ahead of the French Open. Meanwhile, the ATP and WTA Tours continue to broadcast live matches on Sky Sports and the NOW streaming platform, providing subscribers with more than 50 percent additional live sport coverage at no extra charge.
For those who wish to stay updated on scores, results, and in‑depth analysis, the Sky Sports app remains a convenient source of news, video highlights, and expert commentary. \n\nIn summary, Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the French Open is a significant development in the 2025 tennis calendar. While it deprives the tournament of a compelling title defense and disappoints fans worldwide, it also underscores the importance of player welfare in a sport that demands relentless physical and mental endurance.
The hope is that, after proper treatment and recovery, Alcaraz will return to the court ready to challenge for more major championships and continue his rivalry with Jannik Sinner, which has already produced some of the most memorable matches of the modern era.