Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has announced that he will not take part in next month’s French Open after medical examinations revealed a wrist injury that requires careful management. The world number two made the decision public on Friday via a post on his social media accounts, explaining that the test results indicated it would be wiser to sit out both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros while he monitors his recovery and determines a safe timeline for returning to competition. Alcaraz’s statement read: "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 cautious approach underscores the seriousness of the injury and the importance of protecting his long‑term health, especially after a season that has seen him contend for every major title.
The withdrawal means that the seven‑time Grand Slam winner will miss the opportunity to defend the title he captured in an unforgettable final against Jannik Sinner last year. That match, which lasted five hours and 29 minutes, is still remembered as one of the most dramatic showdowns in recent tennis history.
Alcaraz saved three championship points before eventually prevailing with a scoreline of 4‑6, 6‑7 (4‑7), 6‑4, 7‑6 (7‑3), 7‑6 (10‑2). The victory not only secured his second French Open crown but also cemented his reputation as a player capable of thriving under extreme pressure. Since that triumph, Alcaraz has continued to add to his résumé.
He reclaimed the world number one ranking by winning the US Open for a second time in 2025, and earlier in the year he captured his first Australian Open title, becoming the youngest player ever to complete a career Grand Slam at 22 years and 258 days old. These achievements have placed him firmly in the conversation for the sport’s all‑time greats, despite his relatively short time at the top of the game. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner has been making his own statements on the tour.
He regained the world number one spot after defeating Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo Masters final earlier this month, a match that took place just two days before the Spaniard underwent treatment for his wrist injury during his opening win over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open. Sinner’s victory in Monte Carlo, combined with his strong performances throughout the clay season, has positioned him as the likely favorite to claim the French Open title in Alcaraz’s absence. Alcaraz’s decision to skip the tournament also forced him out of the Madrid Open and the upcoming Rome Masters, two events that serve as critical preparation for Roland Garros.
He had previously expressed optimism about his chances of playing in Paris, telling reporters at the Laureus Sports Awards, where he was honored as Sportsman of the Year, "We'll see. The next medical test will be crucial." Unfortunately, subsequent examinations confirmed that competing would pose too great a risk, and he was compelled to withdraw from the second Grand Slam of the calendar year. The impact of Alcaraz’s absence extends beyond his own aspirations. It opens a clear pathway for Sinner to complete a career Grand Slam, having already secured titles at the Australian Open (twice), Wimbledon (last year), and the US Open (2024).
In a post‑match interview after defeating Benjamin Bonzi in the second round of the Madrid Open, Sinner expressed his 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 definitely is the best on this surface. I wish him a speedy recovery." Tennis analyst Naomi Broady of Sky Sports commented on the situation, noting the broader ramifications: "You have to feel for him.
It’s one of his first really big, impactful injuries. First we felt sorry for him missing Madrid, the biggest tournament in his home country, and then to miss Rome and Roland Garros as well is a huge blow.
It shows how serious the injury is that he’s having to miss a Grand Slam. It’s a massive missed opportunity for him and gives Sinner the chance to pull away as world number one." Alcaraz’s withdrawal is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional tennis, where the physical demands of the sport often force even the most talented players to step back and prioritize recovery.
Fans and fellow players alike hope that the Spaniard will heal fully and return to the tour with the same fierce competitiveness that has defined his rapid rise. For those following the sport, the upcoming weeks will be crucial in tracking Alcaraz’s rehabilitation progress.
Updates from his medical team and any subsequent test results will determine when he might re‑enter competition, whether that be at the summer hard‑court swing or later in the season. Until then, the tennis world will turn its attention to the clay circuit, where Sinner and other top contenders will vie for the coveted Roland Garros trophy.
The broader tennis community continues to offer support, with numerous players, commentators, and fans expressing their well‑wishes on social media platforms. The hope is that Alcaraz will return stronger, ready to challenge for more titles and perhaps reclaim the world number one ranking when his wrist is fully healed. For live coverage of upcoming matches, scores, and highlights, fans can tune into Sky Sports, stream via the NOW platform, or use the Sky Sports app, which provides extensive access to tennis events across the ATP and WTA tours.