Roland-Garros 2026: Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws as Defending Champion

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the 2026 Roland-Garros tournament due to a right wrist injury, ending his bid for a third consecutive French Open title. The announcement came on Friday, April 24, 2026, confirming his absence from both the Paris Grand Slam and the preceding Rome Masters 1000 event.

Alcaraz, who won back-to-back titles at Roland-Garros in 2024 and 2025, cited medical advice following tests on his injured wrist. In a statement shared via his official social media channels, the Spaniard explained that his medical team determined rest was necessary to properly evaluate the injury’s progression.

“After tests, my staff and I have decided that the most prudent course is to not participate in the Rome and Roland-Garros tournaments, taking time to assess the situation and determine the appropriate moment to return to competition,” Alcaraz stated in his announcement.

The withdrawal marks a significant moment for the 2026 French Open, which begins on May 24, 2026. As the two-time defending champion, Alcaraz’s absence opens the draw for other contenders seeking to claim tennis’s premier clay-court title.

Alcaraz’s injury history shows previous withdrawals from clay-court events this spring, including the Barcelona Open and Madrid Masters, indicating an ongoing issue with his right wrist that has required careful management throughout the 2026 season.

His 2025 Roland-Garros victory came in a historic final against Jannik Sinner, where he overcame a two-set deficit to win 4-6, 6-7(4/7), 6-4, 7-6(7/3), 7-6(10/2) in a match lasting nearly five and a half hours. That victory cemented his status as one of the tournament’s modern greats.

The Spanish star currently holds the world No. 2 ranking in men’s singles tennis, a position he has maintained through consistent performance across all surfaces despite the ongoing wrist concerns that have limited his recent tournament schedule.

Tennis officials and fans worldwide await updates on Alcaraz’s recovery timeline, with his return to competition dependent on medical evaluations of the wrist injury that has forced his absence from two major clay-court preparations for Roland-Garros.

For continuing coverage of Roland-Garros 2026 and updates on player withdrawals and injuries, stay tuned to Archysport.com’s dedicated tennis section.