Carlos Alcaraz sparks French Open alarm bells with wrist injury update

Concern is growing around Carlos Alcaraz’s right wrist, and the noise is only getting louder.

What initially seemed like minor discomfort, something the Spaniard said he had felt “a few times before and it never turned into anything serious,” has since escalated. Alcaraz himself admitted the issue was “a little more serious than we expected” when he announced his withdrawal from the Barcelona Open. Now, after confirming he will also miss this week’s Madrid Open, uncertainty is mounting over the true extent of the injury.

On Monday, Alcaraz made a public appearance at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid, where he was named World Sportsman of the Year for the first time. It marked his second Laureus honor after winning Breakthrough of the Year three seasons ago.

Alcaraz’s wrist brace

Joined by his family and team, led by coach Samuel López, the world No. 2 walked the red carpet at Madrid’s Palacio de Cibeles wearing a brace on his injured right wrist.

The immobilizing support is largely precautionary, designed to limit unnecessary movement and reduce swelling in the tendon. Still, it was striking to see Alcaraz wearing it in public. Despite the bulky brace, he stopped to sign autographs for young fans gathered to catch a glimpse of one of the sport’s biggest stars.

No timeline for Alcaraz return as French Open approaches

Speaking to reporters, Alcaraz declined to offer any clear timeline for his return, with the French Open set to begin May 24, just over a month away.

“I could be better, I’m not going to lie,” he said with a smile. “I can’t give a timeframe for my return. What I can guarantee is that I’ll do everything possible to come back as soon as I can.”

He also reflected on what has otherwise been a strong start to the season.

“It’s been a really nice few months, the best start to a year in my career, even though there are things to improve. It’s just a matter of time. Right now, I’m happy. Tennis may look like an individual sport, but there are so many people behind it. Family is the most important thing.”

Tests ahead will shape next steps

In a separate interview with Spanish television, Alcaraz again stopped short of committing to Roland Garros.

“We’ll see,” he said. “The next test will be crucial, so we’re doing everything we can to make sure it goes well. I’m trying to be patient, even though these days feel long. We have more tests coming up in the next few days, and after that we’ll understand the injury better and decide on the next steps.”

For now, he is trying to stay upbeat.

“I’m staying positive, staying encouraged, even if the days are dragging a bit.”

Alcaraz doubts extend beyond Madrid

The uncertainty surrounding Alcaraz has intensified in recent hours, especially after comments from former Spanish pro Feliciano López, now co-director of the Madrid Open.

“The emotional blow of not having Carlos is tough, but the one who’s really hurting is him,” López said on Spanish radio. “I had a similar wrist injury years ago, and for a tennis player, the wrist is tricky. I just hope the tendon isn’t torn. He won’t be in Madrid, Rome looks almost impossible, and hopefully he can make it to Roland Garros.”

The Laureus ceremony itself carried a strong tennis presence, with stars including Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Novak Djokovic, and Garbiñe Muguruza also in attendance. But even in that company, the biggest storyline of the night followed Alcaraz, and the growing uncertainty surrounding his race to be ready for Paris.

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