Why Isn't Carlos Alcaraz Playing at the French Open 2026?
A French Open final without Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz? Who could have predicted that development?
However, that's exactly what's unfolded at Roland Garros. The historic rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz won't continue at the French Open in 2026. But why? For his part, Jannik Sinner was knocked out in the second round by a 56th round player on May 28, shocking onlookers. The world's number 1 tennis player blamed the heat, a heavy tournament schedule leading up to the French Open, and feeling ill that morning, including cramps.
But what of Carlos Alcaraz? Where is he?
Why Is Carlos Alcaraz Not Playing at the French Open 2026?
Alcaraz is sitting out the French Open because of a wrist injury. In fact, Alcaraz was photographed wearing a wrist brace on April 30 while watching his younger brother play tennis in Madrid.
According to Sports Illustrated, Alcaraz's wrist injury is keeping him off the court for both the French Open and Wimbledon. That gave Sinner a clearer shot at the Grand Slam title, but the Italian fell in the second round to the 56th player in the world.
The loss of Alcaraz and Sinner opens the door for Novak Djokovic to possibly win another Grand Slam before he retires.
Alcaraz's wrist injury first became apparent in mid-April when he withdrew from the Barcelona Open due to it, according to Sports Illustrated. He subsequently withdrew from the Madrid Open instead, despite being the reigning champion there.
"The next [medical] test will be crucial," Alcaraz said before his decision on the French Open, according to the Associated Press. "We've been trying to do everything we can do to make sure that this test goes well. I'm trying to be very patient. But we are good, we are just waiting a little bit. We have a few tests in the next few days and then we will see how the injury is, and what the next steps will be."
Alcaraz has not played since suffering the wrist injury in mid-April.
Carlos Alcaraz Wrote That He Believes He Will 'Come Out of This Stronger'
Alcaraz announced his French Open decision on his X page on April 24. "After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing is to be cautious and not participate in Rome and Roland Garros, while we wait to assess the evolution in order to decide when we will return to the court," he wrote.
"It's a complicated moment for me, but I'm sure we'll come out of this stronger."
The official Roland Garros X account responded in the comment thread, "Wishing you all the best in your recovery Carlitos, we'll miss you." Fans also wished Alcaraz well, with one writing, "Wishing you a successful recovery. You will absolutely come back stronger!"
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 12:27 PM.