World Number One Jannik Sinner Backs Rival Carlos Alcaraz To Secure Roland Garros Fitness Following Injury

World No 1 Jannik Sinner discusses his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz and hopes the Spaniard recovers from a wrist injury for the 2026 French Open.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 3:41 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

A Rivalry Defined by Mutual Professional Respect

The competitive landscape of men’s tennis faces a potential shift as Jannik Sinner navigates the lead-up to Roland Garros while his primary rival, Carlos Alcaraz, remains sidelined. Speaking at the Laureus World Sports Awards, the world number one noted that Alcaraz is currently navigating a difficult professional moment due to an inflamed right wrist. According to Sinner, the absence of such a high-caliber opponent would diminish the value of the tournament, as he maintains a strong preference for securing titles by defeating the best active players in the world.

Escalating Physical Concerns for the Spanish Star

Alcaraz’s clay-court season has been severely compromised since a forced withdrawal from the Barcelona Open, an event that served as the catalyst for his current physical struggles. The 22-year-old Spaniard has recently been observed wearing a supportive splint on his right wrist, fueling speculation regarding the severity of the tendon inflammation or structural damage. While the tennis community monitors his recovery, the world number two has remained cautious, undergoing a series of diagnostic tests to determine if a return in Rome or Paris is medically advisable.

Chasing the Career Grand Slam in Paris

For Sinner, the upcoming French Open represents more than just another tournament; it is the final missing piece of a potential Career Grand Slam. Having lost a grueling five-set final to Alcaraz last year, the Italian is acutely aware of the obstacles that stand between him and the Musketeers' Cup. He is currently utilizing the Madrid Open to fine-tune his surface-specific tactics, seeking to improve upon a record that has previously seen him peak at the quarterfinal stage in the Spanish capital.