Defending Champion Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from French Open Due to Right Wrist Injury
Two-time defending French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz announced he will not participate in this year's tournament after tests revealed a right wrist injury. The No. 2-ranked player also pulled out of the Italian Open in Rome, which he won last year. The French Open is set to begin on May 18.
France 24Two-time defending French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz will not attempt to defend his title due to a right wrist injury, he announced on Friday. Alcaraz, ranked No. 2 in the world, posted on X that he will miss both the Italian Open in Rome and the French Open in Paris after receiving results from medical tests on his right wrist.
The Spaniard decided to shut down his clay season following the test results. He confirmed he will not participate in Paris after undergoing medical tests on Friday. Alcaraz won the Italian Open in Rome last year.
The injury occurred at the Barcelona Open during his first-round win this month. Alcaraz withdrew from the Barcelona Open the day after his first-round win. He also pulled out of the Madrid Open this week and withdrew from the Rome Masters 1000.
Alcaraz attended the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on Monday with his wrist immobilized. He was named world sportsman of the year. Earlier this year, Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.
He won the Doha title in February. Alcaraz lost the Monte Carlo final to Jannik Sinner at the start of this month.
The Italian Open starts on May 6. The French Open starts on May 18.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
5 events- 2026-04-25
Carlos Alcaraz posted on X that he will not play in the Italian Open or French Open after receiving test results on his right wrist.
3 sourcesNBCNews · Japan Times · Carlos Alcaraz - 2026-04-22
Carlos Alcaraz attended the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid with his wrist immobilized and was named world sportsman of the year.
1 sourceNBCNews - 2026-04-01
Carlos Alcaraz lost the Monte Carlo final to Jannik Sinner and surrendered the No. 1 ranking.
2 sourcesFrance 24 · NBCNews - 2026-02
Carlos Alcaraz won the Doha title.
1 sourceNBCNews - 2026-01
Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final.
1 sourceNBCNews
Potential Impact
- 01
Potential shift in French Open favorites, with Jannik Sinner possibly gaining advantage as new No. 1.
- 02
Alcaraz's absence may affect tournament viewership and sponsorship interest in clay-court season events.
- 03
Longer recovery could influence Alcaraz's performance in upcoming grass-court season, including Wimbledon.