Carlos Alcaraz’s defense of his French Open title has been thrown into doubt after a right wrist injury disrupted his preparations for the clay court. Due to the omission of key tournaments and persistent concerns about fitness, the Spaniard now faces a race against time before Roland-Garros.
The two-time defending champion confirmed that medical tests in the coming days will determine whether he will be able to take part in the Grand Slam, which starts next month. During the Laureus Awards in Madrid, where he was seen with an immobilized wrist, Alcaraz admitted uncertainty about his participation.
“We’ll see,” Alcaraz said when asked about his chances of playing the French Open.
“The next test will be key. We have tried to do everything we can to make sure it goes well. I am trying to be very patient. We have a few tests in the next few days and then we will see how the injury is and what the next steps are,” he added.
Despite the setback, the 22-year-old remains hopeful that he will recover. “So far I’ve tried to stay positive, stay optimistic, even though these days are a little too long,” said Alcaraz, who was named Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year.
The timing of the injury added to the concern. Alcaraz recently lost his world number one ranking to Jannik Sinner after defeating him in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters. His exit from Barcelona also ended any immediate chance of regaining the top spot, making the upcoming clay court season all the more important.
HOW DID ALCARAZ GET INJURED?
Alcaraz’s injury came at the Barcelona Open, where he required medical attention in an opening-round win over Otto Virtanen. Although he won the match in straight sets, discomfort forced him to withdraw from the tournament shortly after.
The Spaniard also withdrew from the Madrid Open as a precaution, choosing to prioritize recovery over risking further damage. With another Italian Open on the calendar, his participation there also remains uncertain.
WILL ALCARAZ PLAY FRENCH OPEN 2026?
The main draw of the French Open is scheduled to begin on May 24, but Alcaraz’s involvement depends on the results of his upcoming medical. The next few days are expected to shed light on the severity of the wrist issue.
While the injury is not seen as long-term at this stage, the tight schedule and importance of the tournament mean caution will be key. A decision on his participation will likely be made closer to the event, depending on how well he responds to treatment.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
21 Apr 2026 12:54 IST
