Alcaraz Ruled Out of French Open, Ending Bid for Historic Three-Peat
World number two Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to withdraw from the 2026 French Open due to a wrist injury, ending his hopes of securing a third consecutive title in Paris.
The 22-year-old Spaniard confirmed on Friday that medical tests revealed the injury—sustained earlier this month at the Barcelona Open—was more serious than initially thought. As a result, he has opted to skip not only Roland Garros but also upcoming clay-court events, including the Italian Open.
“After the results of the tests, we have decided that the most prudent thing is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros,” Alcaraz said. “This is a difficult time for me, but I am confident I will come back stronger.”
Alcaraz, who won the Australian Open earlier this year, had been targeting a rare three-peat in Paris after lifting the trophy in 2024 and 2025. His absence means the tournament, which begins on May 24, will proceed without its defending champion.
The Spaniard will now miss the entire clay-court swing, a surface on which he has excelled. Last season, he claimed titles in Monte Carlo, Rome, and Paris, further cementing his reputation as one of the game’s dominant forces on clay. His most memorable triumph came in last year’s French Open final, where he edged out world number one Jannik Sinner in a marathon encounter, saving three championship points in a match lasting over five hours.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal significantly alters the landscape heading into Roland Garros. Sinner, already a multiple Grand Slam winner, now has a golden opportunity to complete a Career Grand Slam.
Speaking after his win at the Madrid Open, Sinner expressed sympathy for his rival. “It’s sad for tennis,” he said. “As a competitor, you always want to face the best, and he is definitely one of the best on this surface. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
