Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws From French Open as Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic Brace for Impact

Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Roland Garros and Rome. See how his wrist injury affects Sinner's odds and gives Novak Djokovic a major Grand Slam advantage.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 3:25 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

A Sudden Vacuum at the Top of the Parisian Entry List

The competitive hierarchy of the upcoming clay-court season was upended following the official announcement that Carlos Alcaraz will miss both the Italian Open and the French Open. The news broke during the Madrid Open, where the Spaniard’s absence marks his first major tournament withdrawal since early 2023. This decision stems from a wrist injury sustained during his victory over Otto Virtanen in Barcelona, a setback that prevented him from defending the titles he secured in both Madrid and Barcelona during the previous season.

Jannik Sinner Reflects on a Rivalry Interrupted by Injury

Upon learning of the withdrawal mid-match in Madrid, Jannik Sinner described the development as a significant loss for the sport of tennis. According to the Italian, the absence of a player of Alcaraz's caliber is particularly felt given the Spaniard’s strong form earlier in the season. Sinner, who is currently vying to complete a Career Grand Slam in Paris, downplayed suggestions that he is now the clear favorite, instead emphasizing the importance of his rival’s health and a speedy return to the tour.

Djokovic Positions for Historic Milestone Amid Field Depletion

While the spotlight remains on the younger generation, veteran analyst Jason Goodall suggests that Novak Djokovic may be the primary beneficiary of the recent injury news. Despite a semi-final loss to Sinner at the Australian Open, Djokovic’s most recent Grand Slam obstacles have frequently involved Alcaraz. Without the Spaniard in the draw, the pressure on Sinner to perform as the frontrunner increases, potentially clearing a path for the Serbian to extend his record with a 25th major championship win.