What tennis stars really think about Carlos Alcaraz’s shock French Open withdrawal | Tennis | Sport

Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from the French Open, with the tournament still a month away. The Spanish superstar lifted the trophy at Roland Garros in 2024 and 2025, but will not be back to try and defend his crown again, as he has been sidelined by a wrist injury. The world No. 2 picked up the injury during his first-round match in Barcelona last week. He played on and won, but pulled out of the tournament the following day.

Alcaraz has since skipped the Madrid Open, and on Friday, he confirmed he would also have to miss the Italian Open and French Open. “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. This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of this stronger,” the seven-time Major champion said.

Alcaraz’s decision to withdraw from the French Open sent shockwaves through the tennis world, and even his biggest rival, Jannik Sinner, is sad to see the world No. 2 miss the tournament. But Alcaraz’s colleagues seem to be in agreement that he’s done the right thing instead of rushing a comeback, and are confident he’ll return even stronger. Express Sport takes a look at the reaction to the Spaniard’s Roland Garros withdrawal.

The world No. 1 was asked whether Alcaraz’s announcement would boost his own chances of winning in Rome and Paris, but said he didn’t want to talk about that element. Sinner sent his well-wishes to his rival and admitted this was “painful and very sad” for the sport.

“I think what’s most important is to say that, first of all, tennis needs Carlos. Tennis is a much better sport when he’s around,” Sinner said. “For me, personally, it’s nice when he’s around. It makes me look also in the draw and seeing the matches in a different way. Even though if I would face Carlos it would always be in the final. With the No. 1 and No. 2 seed, that’s the case.

“But, yeah, being young, going through difficult moments, it can happen. I do believe he’s going to come back stronger than before. But injuries are always tough, especially a wrist. There’s certain areas of our body what are very sensitive. The wrist, we saw with also other players in the past, that they can complicate our life.

“So I hope he’s going to come back and he will not have any further injuries. But I also believe that it’s good that he and his team takes the time, you know. If you come back too early, then maybe you have a bigger problem afterwards. We all want that he’s competitive for when he’s going to come back. In this case now the next goal I guess for him, and I hope so, it’s Wimbledon. So I hope he’s going to be back there.”

Gauff is the reigning French Open women’s singles champion and was quick to comment on Alcaraz’s Instagram post, saying she was “sorry to see this”. The WTA No. 3 later explained: “It was the first thing I saw after my match. I checked Instagram, and it was really unfortunate to see.

“I don’t know him, like, super well, but every time, the chances we do interact, he’s super nice, and just one of those players that makes the room lighter. So you don’t wish anyone injured, but especially after defending a big title and things like that. So I wish that [he has] a speedy recovery for Wimbledon and things like that. If anything, I think he knows that he’s gonna be back strong, and he’s gonna be in another final as soon as he comes back, and get that chance again, for sure. But I’m glad he’s trying not to force it, and maybe make a career-ending mistake or something like that.”

Fils went on to win the Barcelona Open last week following Alcaraz’s withdrawal. And the French star – who has been tipped as a threat to Alcaraz and Sinner’s dominance – was shocked to hear that the world No. 2 wouldn’t be in Paris. “Who, Carlos? He withdrew? Already? That’s bad. Actually, that’s bad,” he said.

“He’s a great guy, great friend. I didn’t know about it. Very sad. I think we all gonna miss a good champion there. He’s, well, he’s defending the title, and he’s one of the greatest players ever in tennis. So it’s bad, it’s sad, but he’s gonna come back, and when he’s gonna come back, he’s gonna win a couple more. So, you know, for him, I think it’s not a big deal.”

Nadal won 14 French Open titles during his glittering career, and also dealt with more than his fair share of injuries until he retired at the end of 2024. And he was quick to reach out to Alcaraz after hearing the news.

“Keep it up, Carlos! I hope you have the quickest recovery possible. These moments of difficulty highlight everything you’re doing. Much strength and a big hug!” Nadal wrote on social media.