Jannik Sinner has reportedly spoken about Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from both the Italian Open and the French Open (Roland Garros) due to a wrist injury. As defending champion – having won these titles in 2025 – Alcaraz will be unable to defend his title or achieve a conservative victory in Paris.
The 22-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner originally suffered the injury during her opening round win at the Barcelona Open earlier this month.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner reacted to the news, calling it a “very sad day for tennis”, underscoring that the game is better when Alcaraz is competing.
Sinner said that as a competitor, he always wants to play against the best in the world, and he urged Alcaraz not to rush his recovery.
When asked if this made him the favourite, Sinner dismissed the suggestion, instead focusing on the hope that Alcaraz would be fit for Wimbledon in June.
This is the first Grand Slam that Alcaraz has missed since the 2023 Australian Open. With the world No. 2 sidelined, Sinner heads to Paris as the top seed with a chance to complete her career Grand Slam, having already captured titles at the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.
The withdrawal delayed the next chapter of the Alcaraz-Sinar rivalry, which defined the 2025 season where the two split four major titles between themselves.
“I don’t know. I think we shouldn’t talk about it,” the 24-year-old Italian replied.
“And also, for me personally, it’s good when he’s around, it makes me look at me in a different way even in draws and singles matches. Although if I face Carlos, it will always be in the final, being the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, that’s the case.
“I wish him a speedy recovery, even though it is painful and very sad for tennis.
“Being young and going through tough moments, that could happen. I’m confident he’ll come back stronger than ever. But injuries are always tough, especially a wrist injury.
“Some areas of our body are very sensitive, and the wrist issues that we have seen with those other players in the past can complicate our lives.
“I hope he comes back, and he doesn’t get any more injuries.
“But I also think it’s good that he and his team take their time, you know, because if you come back too early you might have bigger problems later on, and we all want him to be competitive when he comes back.”
Additionally, he believes that every day brings a new opportunity, noting that it is important to remain optimistic in order to improve in the next round and continue spreading positivity.
