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Alcaraz Misses French Open; Sinner Becomes Favourite

4/25/2026

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Summary

Alcaraz Skips French

Carlos Alcaraz announced on Friday, April 24, that a right-wrist injury forces him to miss the French Open.
Scans confirmed the injury’s seriousness, leading him to skip the Rome Masters.
He withdrew from the Barcelona Open after beating Otto Virtanen and then pulled out of the Madrid Open.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner called the news painful, said tennis needs Alcaraz, and became the French Open favourite.

Summary

Alcaraz Wins Laureus

Carlos Alcaraz attended the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid with his wrist immobilized and was named World Sportsman of the Year.
Earlier in the season he became the youngest player ever to complete a career Grand Slam by defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.
He then lost to Jannik Sinner in the Monte Carlo final.
Following that defeat he surrendered the world No. 1 ranking to the Italian rival.

History

Historical Context

Juan Martín del Potro’s wrist injuries led to surgeries in 2014 and 2015 and forced him out of key tournaments, showing how such ailments can reshape Grand Slam draws. The 2024 wrist problem that sidelines Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz echoes del Potro’s experience, prompting the ATP to tighten medical protocols and players to adjust training.

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Alcaraz Skips French

Carlos Alcaraz announced on Friday, April 24, that a right-wrist injury forces him to miss the French Open.
Scans confirmed the injury’s seriousness, leading him to skip the Rome Masters.
He withdrew from the Barcelona Open after beating Otto Virtanen and then pulled out of the Madrid Open.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner called the news painful, said tennis needs Alcaraz, and became the French Open favourite.

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