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Reigning French Open champion Carlos Alcaraz will not be present at Roland Garros this year to defend his title.
Last year, Alcaraz had survived match points before defeating arch-rival Jannik Sinner 4–6, 6–7(4), 6–4, 7–6 (3), 7–6 (10-2) in an epic final that lasted five hours and 29 minutes.
MORE: Sinner vs. Alcaraz at the majors: Inside the numbers of tennis' great modern rivalry
In January this year, the Spaniard won the Australian Open to become the youngest man to claim a career Grand Slam. However, the season has not gone according to plan since then for the 23-year-old.
As the French Open 2026 draw took place in Paris on Thursday, the biggest name missing from the roster was that of two-time defending champion Alcaraz.
Why is Carlos Alcaraz not playing French Open?
Carlos Alcaraz has been forced out of the French Open due to a wrist injury.
He picked up the injury in the first round at ATP 500 Barcelona Open. With the injury more severe than first estimated, the 22-year-old pulled out of Roland Garros, which begins on May 24.
Alcaraz is dealing with tenosynovitis in his wrist, an injury that consists of "inflammation of the connective tissue that protects your tendons", according to the Cleveland Clinic.
The injury is typically caused by overuse, so it's logical that tennis stars can get the injury from using their wrists over and over again. There are various kinds of tenosynovitis depending on the severity of the injury, and it's unclear the exact nature of Alcaraz's tenosynovitis.
"After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing to do is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros, while we assess the situation to determine when we can return to the court," Alcaraz posted on Instagram on April 24.
"This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of this stronger."
On May 19, Alcaraz shared an update on his injury on his social media platforms, where he revealed that he is working on his recovery and he is feeling much better than before, however, he won't be able to compete at the upcoming Queen's Club Championships and Wimbledon next month.
When is French Open 2026?
French Open 2026 begins on Sunday, May 24. The tournament will take place over a fortnight, with the women's final scheduled for Saturday, June 6 and the men's final on Sunday, June 7.
How many Grand Slams has Carlos Alcaraz won?
Carlos Alcaraz, 23, has won seven Grand Slam titles.
He has won two French Open (2024, 2025), two Wimbledon (2023, 2024) and two US Open (2022, 2025) titles.
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