In a surprising turn of events just weeks before the start of Roland Garros, the tennis world has been jolted by an unexpected announcement that has left fans and rivals alike scrambling for answers.
A top star of the sport has decided to pull out of the competition, creating a significant void in the tournament schedule and opening the door to widespread speculation.
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz of Spain has officially withdrawn from both the Rome Masters and the French Open due to a wrist injury, a move that deals a heavy blow to global tennis enthusiasts as the second Grand Slam of the season approaches.
The 22-year-old, who claimed the French Open title in 2024 and 2025, confirmed the news in a statement posted on his social media accounts. He revealed that recent medical examinations indicated the need for a temporary pause in play to prevent the injury from worsening.
“After the results of the tests I had today, we decided to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros, while monitoring the injury’s progress to determine when I can return to the courts,” Alcaraz said.
The Spanish star added, “This is a difficult period for me, but I am confident that we will come back stronger,” signaling his desire to fully recover before resuming competition.
Alcaraz had already withdrawn from the Madrid Masters last week for the same reason, after experiencing increasing pain in his right wrist. In previous comments, he emphasized that he did not want to “take risks or force himself to play,” even to defend his title in Paris. “I prefer to return a little later but in excellent condition, rather than come back quickly and risk aggravating the injury. I have a long career ahead, so I’m not afraid of missing a few tournaments to recover better,” he stated.
Italian Jannik Sinner, currently the world No. 1, is expected to benefit from the absence of his Spanish rival, as he has never won the Roland Garros title. Sinner recently defeated Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo final two weeks ago, marking their only meeting this year.
