Two-time French Open defending champion Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the Internazionali BNL d'Italia in Rome and Roland-Garros due to a right wrist injury on Friday.
World number two Carlos Alcaraz will not be able to defend his title at the Italian Open and Roland Garros due to a right wrist injury sustained in his first round in Barcelona last week, ending his clay-court swing.
On a social media post shared on Friday evening, the 22-year-old outlined: “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 as we wait to evaluate the progress so we can decide when to return to court.
“This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of it stronger.”
Following an initial medical evaluation in Barcelona to assess the issue, the seven-time major champion called for a press conference to announce his withdrawal from the ATP 500 tournament.
"I felt my wrist give out on a return during the match," he explained at the time. "After the tests, we saw that it's a more serious injury than any of us expected, and I have to listen to my body and avoid it affecting me in the future."
Adding: "Sadly, I'll have to go home and get back to full health as soon as possible with my team, doctors, and physio."
A few days later, he confirmed his withdrawal from the Mutua Madrid Open, writing: "There are some pieces of news that are incredibly hard to share. Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar...
"It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that's so special."
With the Masters 1000 in Rome and the French Open looming, both title defenses seemed unlikely, and today he has confirmed the news no one wanted to read.
Alcaraz made a brilliant start to the new season, capturing his maiden Australian Open title and then triumphing in Qatar.
Less than a month later, he was back in action in Indian Wells, where he reached the semifinals, falling to Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
An early exit in Miami brought his hard-court swing to an end, heading back home to prepare for the clay swing ahead.
A title defender at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, he went the distance, returning to the final; however, this time around, longtime rival Jannik Sinner had other plans in store.
Fresh from claiming the 'Sunshine Double' for the first time, the Italian transitioned quickly into the red clay, marching in dominant fashion to the championship match in Monte-Carlo to clinch his maiden crown in The Principality.
With the victory, the 24-year-old reclaimed the world No. 1, skipping Barcelona to attempt to become the first man in the series history (since 1990) to win five straight Masters 1000 tournaments in Madrid.
Alcaraz and Sinner are the stellar protagonists of a memorable 2025 Roland-Garros final, the longest ever, spanning five hours and 29 minutes!
The Spaniard rallied from two sets down to claim his second consecutive title in Paris on the iconic Court Philippe-Chatrier.
A one-of-a-kind moment in tennis history that set the bar at the highest of levels at the hands of two gifted players, the leaders of a new and exciting generation.