Jannik Sinner has expressed his full support for Carlos Alcaraz, asserting that the Spaniard will "come back stronger than before" after the two-time defending French Open champion was forced to withdraw from the clay-court Grand Slam due to a wrist injury. Sinner suffered a heartbreaking loss to Alcaraz in last year's Roland Garros final, squandering three championship points before falling in a five-set epic, yet he still believes tennis "needs" Alcaraz and would rather face his biggest rival in the draw.
Alcaraz's Withdrawal Confirmed
Alcaraz confirmed his withdrawal on Friday, exactly one month before the French Open begins. The Spanish star sustained the wrist injury in Barcelona last week and has since skipped the Madrid Open, meaning he will now miss the remainder of the clay season.
Sinner was in the middle of defeating Benjamin Bonzi in his opening Madrid match when Alcaraz announced he would miss Roland Garros. The top seed fought back to win 6-7(6) 6-1 6-4. He later dismissed questions about whether Alcaraz's absence would improve his own chances of claiming glory in Rome and Paris.
Sinner's Thoughts on Alcaraz's Absence
"No, this I don't know. I think this is not what we should talk about. I think what's most important is to say that, first of all, tennis needs Carlos. Tennis is a much better sport when he's around," the world No. 1 said.
"For me, personally, it's nice when he's around. It makes me look also in the draw and seeing the matches in a different way. Even though if I would face Carlos it would always be in the final. With the No. 1 and No. 2 seed, that's the case."
While Sinner has no desire to see Alcaraz forced to sit out a Grand Slam tournament, he is pleased that the 22-year-old has made an early call to allow his wrist to recover properly, rather than playing through the pain or rushing back before he is ready.
Injury Recovery and Future Goals
"But, yeah, being young, going through difficult moments, it can happen. I do believe he's going to come back stronger than before. But injuries are always tough, especially a wrist. There's certain areas of our body what are very sensitive. The wrist, we saw with also other players in the past, that they can complicate our life."
"So I hope he's going to come back and he will not have any further injuries. But I also believe that it's good that he and his team takes the time, you know. If you come back too early, then maybe you have a bigger problem afterwards."
The four-time Grand Slam champion is now keen to see Alcaraz back on court at Wimbledon, where Sinner defeated him in last year's final.
"We all want that he's competitive for when he's going to come back. In this case now the next goal I guess for him, and I hope so, it's Wimbledon. So I hope he's going to be back there," he added.
"And then, whoever is in the draw, it's always a long way in any case, but this is all secondary now. I sent him, yeah, a wish for a speedy recovery, and though it's painful and very sad for all tennis."
Nadal Sends Support
Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal also sent his best wishes to Alcaraz. Posting on X, the 22-time Grand Slam champion said: "Keep it up, Carlos! I hope you have the quickest recovery possible. These difficult moments highlight the value of everything you're doing. Lots of strength and a big hug."
