Lead

World number one Jannik Sinner has expressed hope that Carlos Alcaraz will return in time for Wimbledon, after the reigning two-time French Open champion withdrew from this year's Roland Garros due to a right wrist injury.

Alcaraz announced on Friday that he would skip both the Italian Open and the French Open after receiving test results on his injured wrist. The 22-year-old Spaniard, who saved three championship points against Sinner in last year's Paris final, called the decision a difficult one but said he and his team would monitor his recovery before deciding when to return.

"Tennis needs Carlos," Sinner said as he prepared for his third-round match at the Madrid Open. "Tennis is a much better sport when he's around."

Coverage Comparison

Multiple outlets have covered Alcaraz's withdrawal from the Paris major and its aftermath. Al Jazeera focused on Alcaraz's injury and his decision to prioritize his health, quoting his social media statement that being cautious was "the most prudent thing to do." The outlet also noted that the Spanish star's withdrawal from the Madrid Masters earlier in the month had already raised concerns about his availability for the French Open.

RFI, in its reporting, highlighted Sinner's supportive reaction, quoting the Italian as saying, "We all want that he's competitive when he comes back." Sinner also revealed he had sent a message of support to his rival, adding that the next goal for Alcaraz—and one he hoped for—would be Wimbledon.

The French Open organizers, as reported, posted on social media: "Some heartbreaking news as Carlos Alcaraz, our 2024 and 2025 champion, will not be able to defend his title at Roland-Garros 2026 due to a wrist injury."

Key Claims

  • Alcaraz's withdrawal is confirmed from multiple sources. Al Jazeera and RFI both reported that Alcaraz withdrew from the French Open due to a right wrist injury, with the announcement coming via his social media on Friday.
  • The injury was sustained during the Barcelona Open. Both Al Jazeera and RFI reported that Alcaraz injured his wrist during the first round of the Barcelona Open, where he won his opening match against Otto Virtanen before pulling out of the tournament.
  • A historic achievement adds context. Al Jazeera and RFI both noted that Alcaraz became the youngest man to complete the Career Grand Slam in January, beating Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final. Only Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Djokovic had achieved the feat since 1968, per RFI's report.
  • Sinner's immediate ambition is clear. RFI reported that Sinner is attempting to become the first man to win the first four Masters 1000 tournaments of the season, as he prepares to face Arthur Fils in the Madrid Open semi-finals.
  • Fils advanced to that semi-final. RFI reported that 21-year-old Frenchman Arthur Fils defeated Jiri Lehecka in straight sets (6–3, 6–4) on Wednesday night to set up his first meeting with Sinner since February 2023.

Perspectives

Sinner's View

The world number one expressed sympathy for his rival's predicament, telling reporters: "I believe that it's good that he and his team take the time. If you come back too early then maybe you have a bigger problem afterwards." He also said he hopes to see Alcaraz at Wimbledon, stating: "The next goal I guess for him, and I hope so, it's Wimbledon."

Alcaraz's Statement

In his social media post, Alcaraz described the decision as a "difficult time" but said he was confident he would return stronger. He added that he and his team would monitor his recovery and decide on a future return date only after seeing how the wrist responds.

Tournament Organizers

French Open organizers acknowledged the news with a message of support: "Wishing you all the best in your recovery Carlos, we'll miss you!"

The tournament will now proceed without its two-time defending champion, with Alcaraz also absent from the Madrid Masters, which is currently underway.