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Alcaraz Withdraws from French Open; Sinner Favoured

4/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Carlos Alcaraz announced on Friday, April 24, 2024, that he will miss the French Open because of a wrist injury.
The injury was identified after his 14 April first-round win over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open, with tests showing a serious problem.
With Alcaraz out, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner becomes the favourite while Novak Djokovic could benefit most and Alcaraz hopes to return at Queen’s Club and Wimbledon in about 62 days.

History

Historical Context

The 2024 French Open withdrawal of No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz echoes a pattern of wrist setbacks that have sidelined elite players for decades. In 2009, Argentine champion Juan Martín del Potro pulled out of Paris after a wrist injury despite a US Open title, becoming the only non-Big Three major winner in the preceding 32 tournaments. Such recurring injuries have prompted the ATP to review Grand Slam medical protocols.

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Story summary

Carlos Alcaraz announced on Friday, April 24, 2024, that he will miss the French Open because of a wrist injury.
The injury was identified after his 14 April first-round win over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open, with tests showing a serious problem.
With Alcaraz out, World No. 1 Jannik Sinner becomes the favourite while Novak Djokovic could benefit most and Alcaraz hopes to return at Queen’s Club and Wimbledon in about 62 days.

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