French Open Braces for Star-Studded Absence as Carlos Alcaraz Officially Withdraws and Raducanu’s Status Diminishes

Carlos Alcaraz officially withdraws from the 2026 French Open. Get the latest on his wrist injury and the status of Emma Raducanu and Novak Djokovic.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 27, 2026, 3:31 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Alcaraz Relinquishes Crown Amid Lingering Wrist Concerns

The tennis world was hit with a significant blow as world number two Carlos Alcaraz confirmed he will not defend his Roland Garros title. The Spaniard has been battling a right wrist injury sustained during his opening match in Barcelona earlier this month, which had already forced his withdrawal from Rome and Madrid. By pulling the plug on his title defense nearly a month in advance, Alcaraz signaled the severity of the issue, opting for a cautious recovery with an eye toward the grass-court season and a title defense at Queen's Club in mid-June.

Emma Raducanu’s Persistent Viral Struggle Casts Doubt on Paris

The mystery surrounding British number one Emma Raducanu continues to deepen as she remains sidelined by the lingering effects of a virus contracted in February. Despite a return to the top 30 in 2025, Raducanu has played only 14 matches in 2026, struggling with physical resilience. After pulling out of the Madrid Open, her participation in the French Open hinges on a potential appearance at the Italian Open in Rome. Without a competitive warm-up on clay, analysts suggest her chances of appearing in Paris are increasingly slim.

Novak Djokovic: A Veteran’s Opening in a Depleted Draw

Novak Djokovic has not competed since his loss to Jack Draper at Indian Wells in March and has openly admitted to nursing physical issues. However, the absence of his primary rival, Alcaraz, has shifted the narrative surrounding the 24-time Grand Slam winner. While world number one Jannik Sinner remains the favorite, Djokovic may see a strategic opportunity to pursue a record-breaking 25th major title. Without the need to defeat both Sinner and Alcaraz back-to-back, the Serbian legend could focus his remaining energy on a deep run in what might be his final season at the top tier.