Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion at Roland Garros, has confirmed he will not compete at this year's French Open due to a right wrist injury, marking the most significant setback yet in what has been a difficult clay-court season for the 22-year-old Spaniard.

Alcaraz suffered the injury during his opening match at the Barcelona Open on 14 April, when he twisted his wrist attempting to return a powerful serve from Finnish player Otto Virtanen. He initially hoped the damage would be minor, but a press conference the following day revealed the injury was "more serious" than first thought. He subsequently withdrew from the Madrid Masters and, after further medical examinations on Friday, announced he would also skip both the Rome Masters and Roland Garros — which runs from 18 May to 7 June in Paris. "After the results of today's tests, we have decided the most prudent course is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros, while we assess how the injury evolves before deciding when to return to the court," Alcaraz wrote on social media. "It is a complicated moment for me, but I am certain we will come out of this stronger."

The Spaniard had been candid in recent weeks about his willingness to prioritise long-term health over defending his titles. "If I force myself to play Roland Garros, it could harm me for the tournaments that follow," he said. "I prefer to return a little later but in good shape, rather than come back quickly and risk making the injury worse. I have a long career ahead of me." The decision echoes the cautionary tales of other players who have struggled with wrist problems, including Dominic Thiem, who retired in 2024 after more than two years sidelined by a wrist injury, and Argentina's Juan Martín del Potro, who underwent multiple wrist surgeries. Even Rafael Nadal endured lengthy absences due to similar joint issues.

The withdrawal has significant consequences in the ATP rankings. Alcaraz, who won the French Open in both 2024 and 2025 — defeating Alexander Zverev and then Jannik Sinner in those finals respectively — will forfeit the 2,000 ranking points he earned last year in Paris, as well as 1,000 points from his Rome title. Sinner, who reclaimed the world number one position after beating Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo final earlier this month, will now extend his lead considerably. The Italian, who has never won at Roland Garros, arrives as the clear favourite and would complete a career Grand Slam with a victory in Paris.

Alcaraz, who has won seven Grand Slam titles — including the Australian Open this January, which gave him a career Grand Slam at just 22 — has dealt with a series of physical setbacks throughout his career, ranging from ankle and forearm issues to left wrist arthritis. His team has not yet disclosed the precise nature of the current wrist injury. While the absence is a blow to one of the sport's most compelling rivalries, the Spaniard was unequivocal about his reasoning: managing his health now to ensure a full career ahead.