Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion at Roland Garros, will not compete in this year's French Open due to a right wrist injury. The 21-year-old Spaniard also confirmed he will miss the Italian Open in Rome, where he won the title last year.
Alcaraz announced the decision on Friday via a post on X, following medical tests. "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," he wrote. "It's a complicated moment for me, but I'm sure we will come out stronger from here."
Injury Timeline and Recent Form
The injury occurred during the Barcelona Open earlier this month, when Alcaraz hurt his right wrist in his first-round victory. He withdrew from the tournament the following day and subsequently pulled out of the Madrid Open. He attended the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on Monday wearing a wrist support, where he was named world sportsman of the year.
Alcaraz started 2024 in spectacular fashion, defeating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final to become the youngest man ever to win all four major tennis titles. However, his form has since dipped. He won only one title after Melbourne, at Doha in February, and lost the Monte Carlo final to Jannik Sinner earlier this month, surrendering the world No. 1 ranking to his Italian rival.
Last year, Alcaraz beat Sinner in the finals of both the Italian Open and the French Open, saving three match points in an epic encounter at Roland Garros. He then lost the Wimbledon final to Sinner before avenging that defeat in the US Open final.
This year, Alcaraz will be without a title in the major clay-court events, a significant blow for the young star who has dominated the surface. His absence from Paris opens the door for other contenders, including Sinner, Djokovic, and home favourite Rafael Nadal.
The French Open, held at Roland Garros in Paris, is one of the most prestigious events on the tennis calendar. Alcaraz's withdrawal is a major talking point ahead of the tournament, which begins on May 26.
For European tennis fans, Alcaraz's absence is a disappointment, but it also highlights the physical demands of the sport. The Spaniard's cautious approach suggests he is prioritising long-term health over short-term glory, a wise move for a player with his potential.
