Renowned Coach Patrick Mouratoglou Casts Doubt on Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open Title Defense Following Wrist Injury

Elite coach Patrick Mouratoglou analyzes Carlos Alcaraz's wrist injury, suggesting the defending champion will likely skip the French Open to protect his career.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 3:59 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

The Increasing Severity of Alcaraz’s Wrist Ailment

The tennis world is facing the prospect of a French Open without its defending champion as Carlos Alcaraz’s physical condition takes a turn for the worse. Initially thought to be a minor issue sustained during his opening match at the Barcelona Open, subsequent medical evaluations have revealed a significant injury. This development forced the world number three to pull out of the Madrid Open in his home country, and it is now widely accepted among his team that he will also be absent from the upcoming Italian Open in Rome.

Mouratoglou’s Assessment of the Recovery Timeline

Patrick Mouratoglou, the high-profile coach who previously guided Serena Williams, provided a somber analysis of the situation based on the imagery of Alcaraz’s treatment. He noted that the decision to place the player’s wrist in a cast is a negative indicator for an immediate return to professional play. Mouratoglou explained that complete immobilization leads to muscle atrophy, which necessitates a lengthy rehabilitation process before a player can return to the high-intensity requirements of a Grand Slam tournament.

A Strategic Pivot Toward Career Longevity

In a notable shift from his usual aggressive competitive spirit, Alcaraz has expressed a cautious approach to his recovery. Speaking at the Laureus Sports Awards where he was honored as World Sportsman of the Year, the Spaniard admitted that forcing a return for Roland Garros could result in permanent damage. He emphasized that his current focus is on passing medical tests rather than rushing back to the court, stating that he is unwilling to jeopardize his future career for the sake of a single tournament.