Full Breakdown
Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from French Open Due to Wrist Injury
4/25/2026, 6:11:40 AM
The Withdrawal and Immediate Context
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz announced on 24 April that he will not compete at the 2026 French Open (Roland Garros) or the preceding Italian Open. The decision follows a right-wrist injury sustained during his first-round victory over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open on 14 April. After medical tests on 15 April indicated a more serious problem than initially expected, Alcaraz withdrew from Barcelona the next day and subsequently pulled out of the Madrid Open on 17 April.
Background: Recent Season and Injury History
Alcaraz entered the clay season as the defending champion at Roland Garros (2024, 2025) and the 2026 Australian Open winner, a title that made him the youngest player ever to complete a career Grand Slam. He entered 2026 with a 22-3 win-loss record and seven Grand Slam titles. Previous injuries this period include a forearm issue that limited his 2024 clay swing and a hamstring problem that forced him to miss the 2023 Australian Open.
Timeline of Key Developments
- 12 Apr – Lost Monte Carlo Masters final to Jannik Sinner, surrendering the world No. 1 ranking.
- 14 Apr – Wins first round in Barcelona; wrist discomfort appears.
- 15 Apr – Diagnostic scans reveal a serious wrist issue.
- 16 Apr – Withdraws from Barcelona before second-round match.
- 17 Apr – Withdraws from Madrid Open.
- 24 Apr – Announces withdrawal from Rome and Roland Garros.
Data & Statistics
- French Open titles: 2024, 2025 (two).
- Grand Slam tally: seven (including Australian Open 2026).
- Season record before withdrawal: 22 wins, 3 losses.
- Ranking points at stake: approximately 3 000 points from defending Roland Garros.
- Current ATP ranking: No. 2, 400 points behind world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Official Statements & Responses
Alcaraz posted on Instagram and X: after test results, the “most prudent thing” is to skip Rome and Roland Garros while monitoring his wrist’s evolution. He described the period as “complicated” but expressed confidence that he will emerge “stronger.” The Roland Garros official account issued a brief well-wish, and tournament organizers confirmed the news, noting the impact on the draw. Alcaraz’s team emphasized a cautious approach to protect his long-term career.
Criticism & Opposition
Former world No. 8 Greg Rusedski warned that “health is your wealth,” urging Alcaraz not to rush back and risk chronic damage. Some commentators highlighted the risk of losing further ranking points and momentum if the recovery extends into the grass-court season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Carlos Alcaraz, Instagram post
- “Tennis is a much better sport when he’s around.” — Jannik Sinner, post-match interview
- “Wishing you all the best in your recovery Carlos, we’ll miss you!” — Official Roland Garros account, Twitter
- “I think it’s the right play. Health is your wealth,” — Greg Rusedski, podcast comment
- “I have a long career ahead of me. Forcing for Roland Garros could penalise me enormously in the future.” — Carlos Alcaraz, Laureus Awards interview
Impact on the French Open and Rankings
Alcaraz’s absence removes the defending champion from a field where world No. 1 Jannik Sinner now becomes the overwhelming favourite to complete his career Grand Slam. The Spaniard stands to lose roughly 3 000 points, widening the gap to Sinner and potentially affecting his seeding for upcoming events.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Most outlets describe the problem simply as a “right-wrist injury,” while Spanish media (e.g., El Partido de COPE) specify an “inflamed tendon sheath.” No source provides a definitive medical diagnosis, leaving the exact nature of the injury unclear.
What’s Next
Alcaraz aims to return for the grass-court season, targeting the Queen’s Club Championships (12–21 June) and Wimbledon (29 June–12 July). Ongoing wrist assessments will determine whether he can compete at those events without compromising his long-term health.
