Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to withdraw from the French Open due to an injury to his right wrist, sustained during his first-round match at the Barcelona Open. The 22-year-old Spaniard, a two-time champion at Roland Garros, had been favourite to win a third consecutive title in Paris.
Alcaraz injured his wrist in a straight-sets victory over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open and withdrew from that tournament the following day. After further tests, he announced on social media that he would also miss the Italian Open in Rome and the French Open. 'This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of it stronger,' he said.
The setback is the latest in a series of injury problems for Alcaraz, who missed much of the 2024 clay-court season with a forearm issue and withdrew from the Madrid Open last year with leg injuries. He started 2025 by winning the Australian Open, becoming the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.
His absence is a blow to men's tennis, which has been dominated by his rivalry with Jannik Sinner. 'Tennis needs Carlos,' said Sinner. 'Injuries are always tough, especially a wrist. I hope he will come back stronger.'
Alcaraz will focus on recovery, with Wimbledon and the grass-court season beginning shortly after the French Open. Wrist injuries are particularly challenging in tennis, and caution is required to avoid long-term problems.
