The 2026 French Open is underway with the glaring omission of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. The two-time winner pulled out of the Grand Slam after injuring his wrist in April at the Barcelona Open. He also skipped the Madrid Open and the Italian Open.
As Alcaraz navigates his recovery, he is reconnecting with life away from tennis. The Spaniard opened up about his hiatus during his recent appearance at the Princess of Girona Foundation’s awards ceremony.
Carlos Alcaraz Believes ‘Something Special’ Awaits After His Injury Break
Alcaraz has entered the second month of his injury layoff, having not competed since he was forced to cut short his Barcelona run in mid-April. Amid his absence, the Spaniard attended the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid to collect his Sportsman of the Year trophy, wearing an arm brace. According to reports, he suffered an inflammation of the tendon sheath but avoided a tear, which would have been a more serious injury.
Alcaraz’s absence at the French Open has left a noticeable void, especially after his historic final against Jannik Sinner in 2025. The 23-year-old himself admitted to feeling left out but shared a positive approach regardless.
“I’m watching the results from home, watching my rivals compete, the tournaments I wish I could be playing in but can’t. But everything happens for a reason,” he said at the Princess of Girona Foundation’s awards ceremony.
“I believe it’s fate and that life has something special for me when I return, something beautiful,” he added.
Carlos Alcaraz has a newfound respect for his loved ones, who have been by his side through good and bad. “Now I realize that what really matters is my family, who have always been there to support me.”
“They never forced me to play tennis but always gave me the choice, and that helped me continue to enjoy it and never feel stressed. They’re the reason I’m the person I’m today,” he added.
After abruptly halting his clay season, Alcaraz has also decided to skip the grass swing, announcing withdrawals from the Queen’s Club Championships, where he is the reigning champion, and the Wimbledon Championships, where he was the finalist.
The Spaniard is expected to stage his comeback during the North American hardcourt swing, but he has yet to announce a date of return.
