Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from Italian and French Opens Following Wrist Injury

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Italian Open and the French Open, marking a significant setback in his 2026 season. The Spanish tennis superstar, who successfully defended his French Open title in 2025, will miss the tournament as he continues to recover from a persistent right wrist injury.

The Path to Withdrawal

The injury first became a point of concern during the Barcelona Open in mid-April. Alcaraz, despite appearing to be in pain, managed to defeat Otto Virtanen in straight sets during his opening match on April 14. However, the severity of the issue necessitated his withdrawal from the remainder of the Barcelona tournament and the subsequent Madrid Open.

Following medical evaluations, Alcaraz and his team determined that a cautious approach was necessary to ensure his long-term health. In a statement released on April 24, 2026, Alcaraz addressed the situation on social media:

“After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing is to be cautious and not participate in Rome and Roland Garros, while we wait to assess the evolution to decide when we will return to the court. It’s a complicated moment for me, but I’m sure we’ll come out stronger from here.”

A Rare Absence from the Grand Slam Stage

This decision represents a notable shift in Alcaraz’s recent career trajectory. Since 2021, the Spaniard has maintained a remarkably consistent presence at the sport’s highest level. Before this current injury, the only Grand Slam tournament he had missed in that span was the 2023 Australian Open, where he was sidelined by a hamstring injury.

The absence from Roland Garros is particularly impactful, as it prevents Alcaraz from defending the title he captured in 2025 after a grueling five-set final against Jannik Sinner. Having achieved the Career Grand Slam at such a young age, Alcaraz has solidified his status as a dominant force in modern tennis, making his absence from the clay-court season a major development for fans and analysts alike.

Key Takeaways

• Injury Status: Alcaraz is managing a right wrist injury that first required medical attention during the Barcelona Open in April 2026.
• Tournament Impact: The withdrawal covers both the Italian Open and the French Open (Roland Garros).
• Recovery Focus: The priority for Alcaraz and his team is a cautious recovery process to determine his return date.
• Career Context: This is only the second Grand Slam tournament Alcaraz has missed since 2021.

Looking Ahead

As of May 19, 2026, the tennis world awaits further updates on Alcaraz’s recovery timeline. With the French Open beginning shortly, the men’s draw will look significantly different without the defending champion. Alcaraz, who began his professional career in 2018 and has since secured seven major titles, remains one of the sport’s most closely watched athletes. His focus now shifts entirely toward rehabilitation, with the tennis community looking forward to his eventual return to the court.