The news landed like a thunderbolt on Friday. Carlos Alcaraz will not defend his French Open title. The world No. 2 confirmed his withdrawal from Roland-Garros and the Italian Open in Rome due to a right wrist injury more serious than initially expected.
The medical verdict
After further tests conducted late this week, the diagnosis has become clearer: a combination of tendon inflammation and cartilage damage in his right wrist. The injury first surfaced during the opening round of the Barcelona Open against Otto Virtanen in mid-April, forcing the Spaniard into a string of withdrawals since.
"After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing is to be cautious and not participate in Rome and Roland-Garros, while we wait to assess the evolution to decide when we will return to the court," Alcaraz wrote on social media.
A historic absence
This marks the first time since 2021 that the Murcia native will miss the Parisian Grand Slam. Back-to-back champion, he memorably claimed last year's title in an epic five-set final against Jannik Sinner. Roland-Garros without Alcaraz feels like the Caja Magica without sunshine — everyone notices what is missing.
Sinner, the overwhelming favorite
Alcaraz's absence reshuffles the European clay-court hierarchy. Sinner, already world No. 1 and riding a 23-match winning streak at Masters 1000 events, emerges as the towering favorite in Paris. The clay-court swing — Madrid, Rome, then Roland-Garros — looks like open road for the Italian, provided his body holds up.
For Alcaraz, 23, the priority is clear: protect his long-term health. The Spaniard has hinted that a return on grass, at Halle or Queen's, remains a possibility. But for now, tennis must do without one of its most spectacular players on his favorite surface.
