Sad for tennis Sinner urges Alcaraz not to rush after French Open injury exit blow

Jannik Sinner urged Carlos Alcaraz not to rush back after the Spaniard withdrew from Roland Garros with a wrist injury. The defending champion's absence opens up the Paris draw and shifts attention to whether he can return for Wimbledon.

In Short

• Alcaraz suffered the wrist problem during the Barcelona Open first round
• Sinner said wrist injuries are especially tough and demand patient recovery
• Alcaraz beat Sinner from two sets down in last year's epic French Open final

World No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner has urged rival and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz not to rush his return after a wrist injury ruled him out of the upcoming Roland Garros in Paris. Sinner expressed his disappointment over his competitor’s withdrawal from the major tournament, while hoping Alcaraz could return in time for Wimbledon.

Alcaraz, the defending French Open champion, earlier announced on his social media that he would be unable to defend his title due to the injury. The seven-time Grand Slam champion picked up the issue during the first round of the Barcelona Open earlier this month.

Alcaraz’s withdrawal paves the way for Sinner to potentially complete a career Grand Slam — the Italian has won the Australian Open twice, Wimbledon last year, and the US Open in 2024. However, he said he simply hopes to see the Spaniard back on court soon.

“That’s very tough,” Sinner said after his match against Benjamin Bonzi at the Madrid Open. “With these kinds of injuries, you have to go very, very slow. It’s sad for tennis. Carlos is the defending champion, and as a competitor, I always want to play against the best in the world.”

RIVALS ON THE COURT, FRIENDS OFF IT

A dominant force on clay, Alcaraz defeated Sinner in last year’s marathon final at Roland Garros, saving three championship points and coming back from two sets down to win after five hours and 29 minutes.

“He’s definitely the best in the world on this surface. It’s sad news. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope he’s ready for Wimbledon,” Sinner added.

The nature of the injury is concerning, given that several careers have been curtailed or affected by wrist problems. Juan Martn del Potro, the 2009 US Open winner, battled wrist issues for much of his career. Dominic Thiem struggled with a wrist injury after his breakthrough US Open title in 2020 and retired in 2024, while Nick Kyrgios has also faced similar difficulties.

“I do believe he’s going to come back stronger than before. But injury is always tough, especially the wrist,” Sinner said.

The rivalry between the two has been seen as a premier match-up in modern tennis, with Sinner winning their most recent encounter in the 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters final, 7-6(5), 6-3. Over the past 2 years, Alcaraz and Sinner have traded the No 1 rank and split nine Grand Slam titles between them, meeting in four consecutive major finals.

The main draw at the French Open begins on May 24, with the rest of the field aiming to become the first men’s major singles winner not named Alcaraz or Sinner since 2023.

- Ends