Carlos Alcaraz drops French Open withdrawal bombshell in new injury update | Tennis | Sport

Carlos Alcaraz concedes he could miss the French Open through injury and is due to have a scan. The recently deposed world No. 1 withdrew from the Barcelona Open after injuring his wrist during the first round.

Alcaraz is now missing the Madrid Open, and Roland-Garros is barely a month away, but before that comes the Rome Masters in late April. He has 3000 ATP points to defend after winning both of those tournaments last year by beating Jannik Sinner in the final, and will fall further behind the new world No. 1 so long as this absence continues.

Alcaraz attended the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid on Monday night after being nominated for Sportsman of the Year. He won the award two years after being named Breakthrough of the Year, and did so ahead of Sinner, as well as motorcyclist Marc Marquez, pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis, Paris Saint-Germain player Ousmane Dembele and cyclist Tadej Pogacar.

After being asked whether his availability for the French Open is in danger due to his wrist injury, the Spaniard said: “We will see. The next scan will be decisive, so we are doing everything possible to ensure everything goes well. I am trying to be patient.

“We will see in a few days the state of the injury and the next steps. For now, I am trying to stay positive and keep my spirits up even though the days feel long.”

Alcaraz also shared an emotional statement after withdrawing from the Madrid Open. He has pulled out two years in a row now.

Alcaraz said on social media: “There are some news that are incredibly hard to share. Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that’s why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row. It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament.”

He has also not completed either of the most recent Barcelona Opens. Alcaraz said when withdrawing on Wednesday: “It’s strange and difficult to sit here for the second time, because I’ve already done it before, and announce that I won’t be able to continue in the tournament.

“From today’s tests, it’s a slightly more serious injury than we all expected. And, honestly, I need to listen to my body, to do what’s best for me, so it doesn’t impact me in the future.”