Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 and two-time defending French Open champion, has withdrawn from the 2026 tournament due to a wrist injury. The 22-year-old Spaniard sustained the injury during the first round of the Barcelona Open earlier this month and withdrew from that tournament. Subsequent scans revealed the injury was more serious than initially thought, prompting Alcaraz to also skip the Madrid Open and the Rome Masters.
"After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing to do is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros as we wait to evaluate the progress so we can decide when to return to the court," Alcaraz said on social media. "This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of it stronger."
Alcaraz, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, was aiming for a third consecutive French Open title after victories in 2024 and 2025. His absence opens the door for rivals like world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in last year's five-hour marathon final. The French Open main draw begins on May 24, 2026.
Alcaraz's last major withdrawal came in 2023 due to a leg injury. A clay-court specialist, he won titles at Monte Carlo, Rome, and Roland Garros in 2025 and finished as runner-up in Barcelona. His decision to skip the entire clay-court swing shifts focus to Wimbledon in June.
The French Open issued a statement expressing disappointment: "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. Wishing you all the best in your recovery, Carlos, we’ll miss you!"
Alcaraz's injury also benefits Novak Djokovic, who has been thwarted by Alcaraz and Sinner in recent Grand Slam tournaments. The absence of Alcaraz could provide Djokovic with an opportunity to claim a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.