Two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz has announced he will miss the upcoming French Open because of a persistent wrist injury, dealing a major blow to the clay-court Grand Slam.
The world number two withdrew from last week's Barcelona Open after hurting his right wrist in his first-round match. Following medical tests, the 22-year-old Spaniard has decided to also skip the Italian Open and the French Open, both played on clay.
"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, while we assess the situation to determine when we can return to the court," Alcaraz posted on Instagram. "This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of this stronger."
Alcaraz began 2026 by winning his first Australian Open title, becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam. He was expected to build on that success during the clay season, having won titles in Monte Carlo, Rome and Roland Garros last year, and reached the final in Barcelona.
However, he lost the world number one ranking to long-time rival Jannik Sinner earlier this month after falling to him in the Monte Carlo final. The injury layoff could see Alcaraz lose more ground in the rankings. It also opens the door for Sinner to pursue his own career Grand Slam, as the French Open is the only major missing from his collection.
Since qualifying for his first Grand Slam in 2021, Alcaraz has missed only one major—the 2023 Australian Open due to a hamstring injury.
Sinner, speaking after his win in Madrid, expressed sympathy for his rival. "It is very sad news," said the Italian. "Being that young like he is and like I am, we need to look at our bodies first before worse things happen. Hopefully he can be back for Wimbledon and we all hope for great battles in the future."
Alcaraz and Sinner have dominated men's tennis, winning the last nine Grand Slam titles between them—five for Alcaraz and four for Sinner. Alcaraz's absence in Paris could reshape the clay-court landscape and offer new opportunities for other contenders.