Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from French Open and Italian Open Due to Wrist Injury

Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has confirmed he will miss next month’s French Open after sustaining a wrist injury, dealing a major blow to his clay-court campaign.

The 22-year-old Spaniard announced his withdrawal following medical assessments on a right wrist injury picked up during his opening-round victory at the Barcelona Open. The injury had already forced him out of the tournament, and further tests have now ruled him out of both the Italian Open in Rome and Roland Garros.

In a statement shared on social media, Alcaraz said the decision was taken as a precaution. “After the results of the tests, we have decided that the most prudent thing is not to participate in Rome or Roland Garros while we assess the situation and determine when I can return,” he said, describing the period as a “difficult time.”

Alcaraz’s absence marks a significant shift in the men’s tennis landscape, particularly on clay, where he has been dominant. Last season, he secured major titles across Monte Carlo, Rome, and Paris, establishing himself as one of the sport’s leading forces.

The Spaniard began the current season on a high note, winning his first Australian Open title and becoming the youngest player to complete a career Grand Slam. However, his recent injury setback comes at a crucial point in the calendar.

His withdrawal could also have major implications for the ATP rankings. Alcaraz recently lost the world No. 1 spot to long-time rival Jannik Sinner after defeat in the Monte Carlo final. With key clay tournaments now missed, he risks falling further behind.

Sinner, who has emerged alongside Alcaraz as one of the dominant figures in men’s tennis, expressed sympathy over the development. Speaking after a win at the Madrid Open, the Italian described Alcaraz as “the best player on clay” and voiced hope for his swift recovery ahead of Wimbledon.

The injury also presents an opportunity for Sinner to pursue a career Grand Slam, with the French Open remaining the only major title missing from his collection.

Since making his Grand Slam debut in 2021, Alcaraz has been largely consistent in appearances, missing only one major previously due to injury. His latest setback, however, raises concerns about fitness management as the intense tennis calendar continues.

With Wimbledon on the horizon, attention will now turn to Alcaraz’s recovery timeline and whether he can return in time to resume his rivalry with Sinner in what has become one of the defining matchups in modern tennis.