Following his withdrawal from the Barcelona and Madrid Opens due to a right wrist injury, Carlos Alcaraz has voiced uncertainty about defending his Roland Garros title. The world No. 2 emphasized patience and upcoming tests in recovery, while Madrid Open director Feliciano Lopez raised serious concerns based on his own experience.
Carlos Alcaraz sustained the wrist injury during his first-round win over Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open, leading to withdrawals from both Barcelona and his home Madrid Open—his second straight absence there. Speaking at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, Alcaraz stressed a patient approach to recovery. "We’ll see. In the end, the next test is going to be crucial, so we’re trying to do everything in our power to make sure the test goes well," he told Teledeporte. "I’m trying to be very patient these days, but we’re doing well. We’re waiting a little while." He remains positive amid frustration, with evaluations set to shape his clay season.
Madrid Open director Feliciano Lopez, who suffered a similar wrist tendon inflammation that sidelined him for two months, expressed alarm on Radioestadio Noche. "I’ve had that injury myself... I think his wrist tendon is a bit inflamed, I imagine, and I hope it’s not ruptured," Lopez said, noting the packed schedule with 4,000 ranking points at stake in Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros. "Madrid is out, Rome seems almost impossible to me."
Fresh off losing the Monte Carlo final to Jannik Sinner—which cost him the No. 1 ranking—Alcaraz faces a tight timeline. Last year, a different injury kept him out of Madrid but allowed a timely return for Rome and a Roland Garros triumph. With RG qualifying starting May 18 and the main draw in late May, full clay preparation is at risk.