Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from French Open 2026 Due to Wrist Injury
Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the 2026 French Open, marking the first Grand Slam tournament he will miss since the 2023 Australian Open due to injury. The world No. 2 player announced his withdrawal on Friday, April 24, 2026, citing a persistent right wrist injury sustained during the Barcelona Open earlier that month.
Alcaraz revealed the decision after undergoing medical tests, stating that the most prudent course was to skip both the Italian Open in Rome and the French Open in Paris to allow proper recovery. The injury occurred during his first match at the Barcelona Open on April 14, where he received treatment for his right wrist but managed to defeat Otto Virtanen in straight sets. He subsequently withdrew from the Barcelona tournament before the Madrid Open and was later seen wearing a heavy wrist brace although in Europe.
The 22-year-old Spaniard, who won the French Open in 2024 and 2025, was aiming for a historic third consecutive title at Roland Garros. His absence opens the door for other contenders, particularly Jannik Sinner, who acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for tennis while expressing hope for Alcaraz’s swift recovery.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal follows a pattern of resilience, as he had only missed one Grand Slam since 2021—the 2023 Australian Open due to a hamstring injury. Despite this setback, he remains a seven-time Grand Slam champion, having achieved the career Grand Slam by winning all four major tournaments at least once.
The decision underscores the physical demands of professional tennis and the importance of prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains. Alcaraz emphasized in his statement that while the moment is complicated, he is confident the cautious approach will lead to a stronger return to competition.
As the tennis world adjusts to the absence of one of its brightest stars, fans and analysts alike will monitor his recovery progress closely, anticipating his return to the tour once medical clearance is granted.
For continued updates on Carlos Alcaraz’s recovery and upcoming tournament schedule, stay tuned to trusted sports news sources.
