Greg Rusedski Backs Carlos Alcaraz’s Decision to Skip Roland Garros Amid Growing Uncertainty Over Wimbledon Fitness

Former British No. 1 Greg Rusedski reacts to Carlos Alcaraz's French Open withdrawal, warning that his Wimbledon preparation is now in doubt.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 4:09 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Endorsement of a Cautious Recovery Strategy

The tennis world was significantly impacted on Friday by Carlos Alcaraz's announcement that he would not be defending his title at the French Open. Amid the disappointment, former US Open finalist Greg Rusedski has stepped forward to support the world number two's decision. Rusedski emphasized the adage "health is your wealth," suggesting that at just 22 years old, Alcaraz has already achieved a historic milestone by winning seven Grand Slams and securing all four major titles. Given this early success, Rusedski argues that the long-term preservation of his career far outweighs the immediate pressure of defending a single title.

The Logistical Challenge of the Grass Court Transition

With Alcaraz officially out of both Rome and Paris, the timeline for his return has become a primary topic of discussion. Rusedski calculated that the withdrawal effectively adds a minimum of four and a half weeks to the Spaniard's recovery period. This extended absence puts his participation in the grass-court season in serious doubt. According to Rusedski, Alcaraz would likely need to compete in at least one warm-up event prior to Wimbledon to prove his wrist can handle the sharper, shorter rallies characteristic of the grass surface, which differ significantly from the long, drawn-out exchanges of the clay-court circuit.

Strategic Gains for Jannik Sinner

The absence of a defending champion in Paris reshapes the competitive landscape, particularly for world number one Jannik Sinner. Rusedski highlighted that while Alcaraz will be "truly missed" by fans and organizers, his withdrawal presents a massive opportunity for Sinner to further extend his lead in the rankings and secure another major title. Alcaraz famously lost a hard-fought Wimbledon final to Sinner last year, and the Italian's consistency in scheduling and injury management is increasingly seen as a decisive advantage in their ongoing rivalry for the top spot.