Defending champion Alcaraz to miss French Open

Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion, has confirmed he will skip the upcoming French Open due to a persistent wrist injury. The 22-year-old Spanish star withdrew from the Barcelona Open last week after injuring his right wrist during a first-round match. Following medical evaluations, Alcaraz has opted to sit out both the Italian Open and the French Open, which are held on clay courts.

The world No. 2 shared his decision on Instagram, stating:

“After today’s tests, we’ve chosen to be cautious and avoid competing in Rome or Roland Garros until we understand the full extent of the injury. This is a tough phase, but we’re confident it will make us stronger in the long run.”

Alcaraz’s absence could impact his ranking, as he recently relinquished the top spot to his rival Jannik Sinner after losing in the Monte Carlo final. Sinner now has a chance to complete his career Grand Slam, with the French Open remaining the only major title unclaimed in his collection.

Alcaraz began 2024 with a historic Australian Open victory, becoming the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam. His previous successes include winning clay-court events in Monte Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros, as well as reaching the Barcelona final last season. With his focus on recovery, the Spaniard may face challenges in maintaining his position in the rankings during this break.

Since his debut at a Grand Slam in 2021, Alcaraz had only missed one tournament prior—when he pulled out of the 2023 Australian Open due to a hamstring injury. This latest withdrawal marks a significant moment in his career, as he aims to bounce back stronger in the clay-court season.