Setback for Carlos Alcaraz: Two-Time Champion Withdraws from Roland Garros with Wrist Injury

Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to withdraw from his bid for a third consecutive French Open title due to a right wrist injury.

The Spaniard announced on X on Friday that he will also miss the Italian Open in Rome, a tournament he claimed victory in last year.

Ranked No. 2 in the world, Alcaraz sustained the injury at the Barcelona Open earlier this month during his first-round match and subsequently pulled out of the competition the following day.

He also opted out of this week’s Madrid Open but made an appearance at the Laureus World Sports Awards in the Spanish capital on Monday, with his wrist in a brace. At the gala, he was honoured as the world sportsman of the year.

Following further medical evaluations on Friday, Alcaraz confirmed his absence from Paris.

“After today’s test results, we’ve decided that it’s best to be careful and not partake in Rome and Roland Garros,” he shared on X. “This is a challenging moment for me, but I’m confident we will emerge stronger from this.”

Alcaraz kicked off the year in spectacular fashion, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open, which made him the youngest player in history to win all four major tennis titles.

Since then, he has managed just one title, triumphing in Doha in February, and he will now be without an open title in the major clay-court competitions. Earlier this month, he finished as runner-up to Jannik Sinner at the Monte Carlo final, losing his No. 1 ranking to the Italian.

“Tennis needs Carlos,” Sinner remarked following his first-round victory at the Madrid Open. “The sport is significantly better when he’s competing.”

“I’m hoping for his speedy recovery and that he won’t face any more injuries. But it’s vital for him and his team to take the necessary time. Rushing back can lead to bigger issues down the track.”

“We all want him to return at full competitiveness. Perhaps his next target should be Wimbledon in June. I sincerely hope he makes it back by then. It’s disappointing for everyone involved in tennis.”

Last season, Alcaraz triumphed over Sinner in the finals of both the Italian Open and French Open, saving three match points in a legendary encounter. He later faced and lost to Sinner again in the Wimbledon final before defeating him in the US Open final.

The Italian Open is set to commence on May 5, while the French Open will begin on May 18.