Carlos Alcaraz Misses French Open Due to Wrist Injury

Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the 2026 French Open due to a right wrist injury, ending his bid for a third consecutive title at Roland Garros. The world No. 2 announced his withdrawal on April 24, 2026, after medical tests confirmed the need for caution following an injury sustained during the Barcelona Open.

Alcaraz first felt discomfort in his right wrist during his opening match at the Barcelona Open on April 14, 2026, where he defeated Otto Virtanen in straight sets. Despite the win, he sought treatment and later withdrew from the tournament before the Madrid Open. He was subsequently seen wearing a heavy wrist brace during his travels in Europe.

After undergoing further medical evaluations on April 24, 2026, Alcaraz and his team decided to skip both the Italian Open in Rome and the French Open in Paris to prioritize recovery. He shared the decision on his X account, stating: “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.”

The withdrawal marks the first Grand Slam tournament Alcaraz has missed since the 2023 Australian Open, where he was sidelined by a hamstring injury. Since turning professional, Alcaraz has won seven Grand Slam titles, including the French Open in 2024 and 2025. His absence opens the door for other contenders, particularly Jannik Sinner, who has already won the Australian Open and US Open in recent years and Alexander Zverev, who stands to gain from the vacancy in the draw.

Alcaraz had been a strong favorite for a third straight French Open title after his epic five-set victory over Jannik Sinner in the 2025 final, which lasted five hours and 29 minutes and included saving three match points. His 2024 win over Casper Ruud also contributed to his growing legacy on clay.

Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains optimistic about his recovery, adding in his statement: “It’s a complicated moment for me, but I’m sure we’ll come out stronger from here.” His absence from the clay-court swing means he will not defend his titles in Rome or Paris, where he had won both the Italian Open and French Open in 2025.

The 2026 French Open is scheduled to begin on May 24 and conclude on June 8, 2026, in Paris, France. Alcaraz’s withdrawal was confirmed well before the tournament’s start, allowing the draw to be adjusted accordingly.

As of now, Alcaraz is focusing on rehabilitation and has not provided a timeline for his return to competition. His team emphasized that the decision was made to avoid further risk and ensure long-term health, particularly given the physical demands of the tennis season.

What does this mean for the French Open draw? With Alcaraz out, the path to the title becomes clearer for players like Sinner and Zverev, who were seen as his main challengers. Sinner, in particular, has expressed sympathy for Alcaraz while acknowledging the opportunity it presents.

Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on Alcaraz’s recovery and the unfolding drama at the 2026 French Open.