World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the French Open due to a wrist injury, organisers confirmed on Thursday. The 21-year-old Spanish star, who won the US Open in 2022, was considered one of the top contenders for the Roland Garros title after an impressive clay-court season that included victories in Barcelona and Madrid.
Injury Details and Recovery
Alcaraz sustained the injury during a practice session earlier this week. Medical examinations revealed a strain in his right wrist, which will require rest and rehabilitation. The Spaniard is expected to be sidelined for several weeks, potentially affecting his preparation for Wimbledon in July.
“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from the French Open,” Alcaraz said in a statement. “I have been working hard to be ready, but my wrist is not responding as we hoped. I need to listen to my body and take the necessary time to recover fully.”
Impact on the Tournament
Alcaraz’s absence is a significant blow to the French Open, which has already seen several top players withdraw due to injuries. Defending champion Novak Djokovic is also nursing a shoulder issue, while 14-time champion Rafael Nadal has been struggling with fitness concerns. The tournament, which begins on May 26, will now see a reshuffled draw, with other contenders like Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev moving up in the seedings.
French Open tournament director Amélie Mauresmo expressed disappointment: “Carlos is a fantastic player and a fan favourite. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back on court soon.”
Alcaraz’s Season So Far
Despite the setback, Alcaraz has had a strong 2026 season. He won the Indian Wells Masters in March and reached the semifinals of the Australian Open in January, where he lost to Sinner. His clay-court form had been particularly impressive, with titles in Barcelona and Madrid, making him a top pick for the French Open.
This injury marks the second time Alcaraz has been forced to withdraw from a Grand Slam due to a physical issue. He missed the 2023 Australian Open with a hamstring problem. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he recovers and whether he can challenge for the Wimbledon title later this summer.
