Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the 2026 French Open due to a wrist injury, ending his bid for a third consecutive title at Roland Garros. The decision comes after medical tests confirmed the injury would worsen if he continued to play, according to his team’s announcement on Friday.
The world No. 2 player had already withdrawn from the Italian Open earlier in the week, citing the same wrist issue that affected his performance at the Barcelona Open and forced him out of the Madrid Open. Alcaraz stated on social media that after reviewing test results, he and his team determined it was most prudent to skip both Rome and Paris while assessing his recovery timeline.
Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner and Alcaraz’s compatriot, was among the first to respond with a message of support. Nadal wrote on social media: “Hang in there, Carlos! I hope you have a speedy recovery. These tough moments highlight everything you’re doing. Stay strong and sending you a sizeable hug!”
Other notable figures in tennis too reached out to Alcaraz, including Coco Gauff, Boris Becker, and Arthur Fils. Gauff, speaking during a TikTok livestream, expressed her sadness over the withdrawal and praised Alcaraz’s character: “I’m so sad about Carlos. That was the first thing I saw after I finished my match. I wish him all the best. Seriously, he is a nice person.”
This marks only the second time Alcaraz has missed a Grand Slam since his main draw debut at the 2021 Australian Open. His absence from Roland Garros opens the draw significantly, particularly in his quarter of the bracket where he was a top contender.
The injury adds to a growing list of physical challenges Alcaraz has faced early in his career, though he remains determined to return stronger. In his statement, he emphasized resilience: “Here’s a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of this stronger.”
As of now, there is no confirmed timetable for his return to competition. Alcaraz and his medical team are prioritizing a full recovery before resuming tournament play, with future updates expected through his official channels.
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