Sam Querrey Defends Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open Withdrawal by Drawing Comparisons to Big Three Injury Absences

Sam Querrey compares Carlos Alcaraz's injury to the Big Three era, defending the Spaniard's decision to miss the French Open to protect his long-term career.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 29, 2026, 3:19 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

The Heavy Toll of a Major Star’s Absence

The confirmation that a right wrist injury will sideline Carlos Alcaraz for the remainder of the clay season, including the French Open, has sent shockwaves through the tennis community. Initially sustained during the Barcelona Open, the ailment proved severe enough to force the 22-year-old to prioritize long-term health over immediate title defense. On his Nothing Major podcast, former professional Sam Querrey described the situation as a major blow for fans, acknowledging that Alcaraz is currently a global favorite. However, Querrey emphasized that the decision to withdraw is a calculated move to prevent further damage to a career that is still in its early stages.

Comparing Eras of Injury and Dominance

Querrey offered a fresh perspective on the injury by comparing the current landscape to the era of the "Big Three." According to Querrey, the tennis world was previously spoiled by the simultaneous presence of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic, which meant the tour remained star-studded even if one legend was absent. In contrast, the modern rivalry is centered almost exclusively on Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Querrey argued that when one of only two dominant figures misses a Slam, it feels like a double blow to the sport compared to when a single member of the previous triumvirate was out of action.

Jannik Sinner Becomes the Clear Favorite

With Alcaraz removed from the draw, many analysts and former players now view world number one Jannik Sinner as the overwhelming favorite to secure the Roland Garros title. John Isner, joining Querrey on the podcast, noted that the door is now ajar for the rest of the field to make a deep run in Paris. While Isner characterized Sinner as a huge favorite to reach the final, he also reminded listeners that unpredictability is a hallmark of the tour. According to Isner, the absence of such a high-profile competitor creates a unique opportunity for other players to emerge and capture a title that might otherwise have been out of reach.