Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the upcoming French Open due to a right wrist injury, ending his bid for a historic three-peat at Roland Garros. The world No. 2 announced his decision on April 25, 2026, via social media, stating that medical evaluations led him to skip both the Rome Masters and the clay-court major.
The Spanish star confirmed he will not compete in the Rome tournament beginning May 5 or the French Open, which starts May 18. This marks the conclude of his attempt to win a third consecutive title at the second Grand Slam of the year, following back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal comes after he injured his wrist early in the season during the Barcelona Open in April. Despite the setback, he continued to compete, appearing at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on April 22 while wearing a wrist brace. He had previously missed the Madrid Open due to the ongoing issue.
The injury has disrupted a strong start to 2026, during which Alcaraz captured the Australian Open title in January, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. That victory positioned him as the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam. Yet, subsequent results have been inconsistent, including semifinal appearances at Indian Wells and early exits in Miami and Monte Carlo, where he lost to Jannik Sinner in the final.
The Monte Carlo loss also resulted in Alcaraz surrendering the ATP No. 1 ranking to Sinner, who has since capitalized on the Spaniard’s absence from key events. Alcaraz now holds seven major titles including the 2022 US Open and back-to-back wins at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in 2023 and 2024.
Medical assessments conducted on April 25 influenced the final call to withdraw, with Alcaraz emphasizing the need to prioritize long-term health over short-term competition. He expressed determination to return stronger, posting on his official X account: “Today, based on the results of my medical exams, I have decided not to play in Rome or Roland Garros. I will focus on recovery and come back better.”
His absence opens the door for other contenders, particularly Sinner, who seeks to build on his recent momentum and claim his first French Open title. The Italian has won three Masters 1000 events on clay this season and enters Roland Garros as a leading favorite.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal also affects the tournament’s narrative, as he was one of the few players capable of challenging Djokovic’s pursuit of a record-breaking 25th major title. With Nadal’s legacy looming and younger stars rising, the men’s draw now faces increased uncertainty in the absence of its defending champion.
The ATP Tour has not released an official timeline for Alcaraz’s return, though his team indicated recovery will be the primary focus in the coming weeks. Fans and analysts alike will monitor his progress closely, especially as the grass-court season approaches and Wimbledon looms in July.
For now, the focus shifts to how the French Open unfolds without its two-time defending champion. The tournament will begin as scheduled on May 18 at Stade Roland Garros in Paris, with the men’s singles draw set to feature a mix of established stars and emerging talents vying for supremacy on the red clay.
Stay tuned to Archysport for ongoing updates on Alcaraz’s recovery and the latest developments from the 2026 French Open.
