Alcaraz French Open bombshell ‘puts a lot of things in doubt’ | Tennis | Sport
Former British number one Greg Rusedski has urged Carlos Alcaraz to take his time recovering from injury after the Spanish star pulled out of the French Open. The world number two has withdrawn from the tournament with a wrist injury, meaning he won’t defend his crown.
Alcaraz won the tournament in 2025, coming from behind to beat Jannik Sinner in a thrilling final, but he won’t take part in this year’s competition. The injury setback also raises doubts over his participation at Wimbledon later this year, with it unclear how severe the injury is.
On social media, Alcaraz confirmed his withdrawal and said: “After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros, while we wait to assess the progress in order to decide when we will return to the court. It’s a complicated moment for me, but I’m sure we will come out of this stronger.”
Former British tennis star Rusedski admits it a worrying sign for Alcaraz, given the tight turnaround between the French Open and Wimbledon.
“I think it’s the right play. Health is your wealth,” said Rusedski on his podcast. “He’s already won seven majors at such a young age. He has all four slams already. It’s just incredible what he’s done.
“This is where the team has managed him correctly, you know, just not putting an expectation, any pressure. He wants to try to be ready for Wimbledon. You know, he lost that tough final last year to [Jannik] Sinner.
“It is a little bit disconcerting because he’s gonna miss Paris, that’s an extra two weeks away, which is a total of four and a half weeks off right now with the injury. He will truly be missed in Paris, but what an opportunity for Jannik Sinner.”
Rusedski added: “Is he gonna have enough time three weeks afterwards to get ready for the Wimbledon Championship? Hopefully he will be back for the grass court season, but this puts a lot of things in doubt.
“Fingers crossed by about the second week of Paris, he’s already into his stride. Also when you’re playing on clay, there are long, drawn out rallies on the grass court. It’s a little bit shorter. It’s a little bit sharper as well.
“It just depends on what the conditions are going to be like in summer. If it’s hot, the ball goes through the air quickly. If it’s going to be a little cooler, it goes a little slower. So Carlos will only come back when he’s 100 % fit and ready to go. And let’s hope.”
