Tennis great Boris Becker has offered an optimistic take on Carlos Alcaraz’s latest injury setback, insisting it should not derail his title defense at the French Open. While acknowledging the frustration surrounding Alcaraz’s withdrawal from Barcelona and Madrid, Becker pointed to the Spaniard’s playing style as a key reason behind his recurring physical issues, especially when compared to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.
Carlos Alcaraz Faces Fresh Injury Concerns Ahead of Roland Garros Build-Up
Alcaraz’s recent Barcelona campaign was cut short by a frustrating injury that has now derailed a significant portion of his European clay-court swing. After losing the world No. 1 ranking to Sinner in a hard-fought Monte-Carlo final just days prior, Alcaraz arrived in Barcelona hoping to find his rhythm on home soil.
He began his tournament with a straight-sets victory over Finland’s Otto Virtanen. However, during that match, Alcaraz began experiencing significant pain in his right wrist, specifically after a heavy return in the first set. Although he managed to grit out the 6-4, 6-3 win, he admitted afterward that the sensation was worrying.
The situation worsened the following morning when medical evaluations revealed the injury was more serious than a simple strain. On Wednesday, April 15, Alcaraz officially withdrew from the tournament before his second-round match against Tomáš Macháč, granting the Czech player a walkover into the Round of 16.
In a somber press conference, Alcaraz expressed his heartbreak, noting that he had to “listen to his body” to avoid long-term damage. The injury’s impact extended beyond Barcelona, as Alcaraz confirmed on Friday, April 17, that he would also withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open.
How Does Boris Becker Compare Alcaraz’s Physical Strain to Jannik Sinner’s Efficiency?
Speaking to Eurosport, Becker remained upbeat about Alcaraz’s immediate outlook. “I think I’m still positive. I think it’s an injury. He would have wanted to finish in Barcelona,” Becker said. “He’s a very proud Spanish player, so he wants to play in front of his home fans. But injuries can happen. So I think he should take a good look at what he’s done last year, how to recover and then be ready for Rome.”
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Becker then drew a clear contrast between Alcaraz and Sinner, pointing to differences in style and match patterns. “It’s true that Alcaraz is more often injured than Sinner. But because of his style. He has a different style than Sinner. Sinner, I call him Djokovic 2.0. Similar style from the baseline, very consistent. And also, wins his matches quickly.”
He added that Alcaraz’s tendency to play longer, more physically taxing matches increases wear and tear. “Alcaraz often loses a set, has to go three hours. That takes a toll on his body, whereas Sinner, 6-3, 6-4 and 7-5, 6-2. So that naturally saves you energy. And I think in the long term, that’s very beneficial.”
This marks the second consecutive year that health issues have kept Alcaraz from competing in the Spanish capital, following a hamstring injury that sidelined him in 2025. He has since returned to Murcia to begin an intensive rehabilitation program with his medical team, with his primary focus now shifting toward a recovery in time for the French Open.
