Alcaraz Withdraws from Roland Garros

Carlos Alcaraz will not be defending his title at Roland Garros this year. The two-time defending champion announced Friday that a right wrist injury will keep him out at least until June, ruling him out of both Rome and Paris.

The injury first showed up in his first round match in Barcelona against Otto Virtanen. After that, he withdrew before his round of 16 match against Machac, then pulled out of Madrid entirely. By the time Friday rolled around, his French Open withdrawal felt more inevitable than surprising.

In his statement Alcaraz said the decision came down to test results and that sitting out was simply the most cautious thing to do. He had already completed the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open earlier this year, so the clay season was bound to be a good one. Instead, he'll be sidelined for this one.

"Hang in there, Carlos," Nadal wrote on social media Friday. "These difficult moments truly highlight the value of everything you are doing. Stay strong."

Sinner was equally direct after his opening win in Madrid.

"Tennis needs Carlos," Sinner said. "Tennis is a much better sport when he's around."

With Alcaraz out, Sinner is the overwhelming favorite at the one Grand Slam still missing from his collection. And with the draw suddenly wide open, maybe this is the year someone else sneaks in. Novak fans you already know what we're thinking.

Roland Garros without him is going to feel like something is off. At least we still have the 2025 French Open final to keep us fed. Wishing him a fast recovery.