Alcaraz Withdraws from French Open 2026 Due to Wrist Injury: Full Details

Updated: June 5, 2026

Seven-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from the 2026 French Open, citing an ongoing right wrist injury that has sidelined him since late April. The Spanish star made the announcement via social media on April 24, 2026, just days before the tournament’s start on May 24.

The Injury Timeline

Alcaraz first suffered the wrist injury during a first-round match at the Barcelona Open on April 20. Despite defeating Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori, he withdrew from the tournament immediately afterward. The injury worsened during the Madrid Open, leading to his decision to exit both the ATP 1000 events and the French Open.

“After reviewing the medical reports, my team and I believe the most prudent course of action is to withdraw from Rome and Paris,” Alcaraz stated. “This represents a tough moment for me, but I’m confident I’ll come back stronger.”

Impact on the French Open Field

The 22-year-old’s absence creates a significant void in the men’s draw. Alcaraz had been the defending champion after his 2024 and 2025 titles, with a 22-3 record in 2026, including a dominant Australian Open victory. His injury also shifts the momentum in the red clay race, with Italian star Jannik Sinner now holding the No. 1 ranking.

“As a competitor, you always want to face the best players in the world,” Sinner said. “He’s clearly the best on clay and I hope he returns in time for Wimbledon.”

Medical Details and Recovery

Spanish tennis federation doctors confirmed the injury involved a “partial tear of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon,” a common issue among tennis players due to repetitive backhand motions. Alcaraz is undergoing regenerative therapy, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, with a projected recovery timeline of 6-8 weeks.

Historical Context

This isn’t the first time Alcaraz has dealt with a major injury. In 2024, he missed the French Open due to a shoulder issue, but returned to win the US Open. His 2025 French Open final against Sinner remains the longest men’s singles match in tournament history at 4 hours and 43 minutes.

What’s Next for Alcaraz?

The Spanish star is expected to begin a rehabilitation program in Barcelona, with a potential return at the Wimbledon Championships in July. His team has not yet commented on his participation in the upcoming US Open series.

Key Takeaways:

• Alcaraz’s withdrawal creates a major opportunity for Jannik Sinner to secure the year-end No. 1 ranking
• The French Open men’s draw now lacks its most dominant player on clay
• Alcaraz’s injury highlights the physical toll of modern tennis, particularly on young stars
• Medical experts predict a full recovery but emphasize the importance of cautious rehabilitation

Follow the Story

For updates on Alcaraz’s recovery, follow the official Chinese Xinhua report and the ATP Tour website. Fans can also track his progress on his official social media channels.

Next confirmed checkpoint: Alcaraz’s scheduled training session in Barcelona on June 10, 2026. Share your thoughts below on how this injury impacts the 2026 clay court season.