Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from Roland Garros Due to Right Wrist Injury
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the 2026 Roland Garros tournament due to a persistent injury in his right wrist, ending his bid to defend the title he won in the previous two editions. The Spanish tennis star announced his withdrawal on Friday, April 24, 2026, confirming that he will also miss the Masters 1000 event in Rome, effectively ending his entire clay court season.
According to multiple verified sources, Alcaraz made the decision after undergoing further medical examinations that revealed inflammation in the tendon of his right wrist, affecting the cartilage and preventing normal movement. The injury initially surfaced during his match against Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open, where he secured a victory but began experiencing discomfort that proved more severe than initially anticipated.
Alcaraz shared the update through his social media channels, stating: “After the results of the tests conducted today, we have decided that the most prudent course is to be cautious and not participate in Rome and Roland Garros.” He added that he will remain “awaiting evaluation of the progression to determine when we will return to the court,” acknowledging that he is going through “a complicated moment for me, but I am sure we will come out stronger from this.”
The withdrawal carries significant implications for the ATP rankings, as Alcaraz stands to lose approximately 3,000 points that he would have earned by defending his Roland Garros title. This deficit opens the door for rivals such as Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev to close the gap in the race for the world No. 1 ranking, particularly ahead of the upcoming grass court season.
Alcaraz has established himself as one of the most dominant players on clay in recent years, with a career win percentage of 84.4% on the surface, surpassed only by Rafael Nadal (90.5%) among active players. His absence from the European clay court swing marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the season, particularly as he was considered a top contender to extend his Grand Slam title count to eight.
The tennis world awaits further updates on Alcaraz’s recovery timeline, as no specific return date has been provided. Medical professionals will continue to monitor the inflammation in his right wrist tendon, with the player emphasizing a cautious approach to ensure long-term health and performance.
For continued coverage of Carlos Alcaraz’s recovery and return to tennis, stay tuned to verified sports news outlets and official ATP tour updates.
