Bertolucci Criticizes Alcaraz’s Scheduling After Rome and Roland Garros Withdrawals

Former Italian tennis star Paolo Bertolucci has criticized world number two Carlos Alcaraz for his recent withdrawal from the Rome Masters and Roland Garros, stating the Spaniard “must program better” following his decision to skip both clay-court events due to a wrist injury.

Bertolucci, speaking to Italian news agency Adnkronos, expressed concern over Alcaraz’s approach to managing his schedule amid ongoing physical issues. The criticism comes as Alcaraz confirmed his absence from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome and the French Open in Paris, both events he won in 2024 and 2025.

Alcaraz announced his withdrawal via social media on Friday, April 25, 2026, explaining that medical tests led to the decision to prioritize recovery. “After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing to do is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros as we wait to evaluate the progress so we can decide when to return to court,” Alcaraz wrote. “This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of it stronger.”

The 22-year-old Spaniard has been hampered by a right wrist injury sustained in recent weeks, which also caused him to withdraw from the Madrid Open earlier in the week. Alcaraz is defending champion in both Rome and Roland Garros, where he saved three championship points to defeat Jannik Sinner in the 2025 final.

Bertolucci’s critique focuses on the need for better long-term planning, suggesting that Alcaraz’s current approach may compromise his ability to compete at the highest level consistently. The former player emphasized that top athletes must balance ambition with physical sustainability, particularly during the demanding clay-court season.

Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains optimistic about his recovery, stating his belief that he will emerge stronger from the injury layoff. His absence from Rome and Roland Garros means he will not be defending 1,000 points in Rome and 2,000 points at the French Open, significantly impacting his standing in the PIF ATP Rankings.

As of April 2026, Alcaraz trails Jannik Sinner by 390 points in the ATP rankings after losing the Monte-Carlo final to the Italian earlier this season. The Spaniard holds a 22-3 record for the 2026 season prior to the withdrawals.

Medical evaluations are ongoing to determine the extent of the wrist injury and the expected timeline for Alcaraz’s return to competition. The tennis world awaits further updates on his condition as he focuses on rehabilitation.

For continued coverage of Carlos Alcaraz’s recovery and upcoming tournaments, stay tuned to verified sports news sources.