New Delhi: Carlos Alcaraz is facing a race against time to be fit for the 2026 French Open, starting in less than a month. Alcaraz, a double defending champion at the Roland Garros, is recovering from a right wrist injury, which forced him to pull out of the Barcelona Open and the upcoming Madrid Open.
While the world number two has over three weeks to recover from the wrist issue, he himself is not certain of his participation at the second Grand Slam of the year.
Alcaraz’s fate rests on medical tests in the next few days, which will determine whether the Spanish superstar will be able to play in the prestigious Grand Slam event, beginning on May 18.
Alacarz unsure over his availability at French Open 2026
“We’ll see,” he answered when asked about his participation. “The next (medical) test will be crucial,” the seven-time Grand Slam winner told Spanish television channel TVE at the Laureus Awards in Madrid with his right wrist immobilised.
“We’ve been trying to do everything we can do to make sure that this test goes well. I’m trying to be very patient. But we are good, we are just waiting a little bit. We have a few tests in the next few days, and then we will see how the injury is and what the next steps will be.”
Before he pulled out of the Madrid Open, Alcaraz withdrew midway in Barcelona a day after he recieved wrist treatment during his opening-round win over Otto Virtanen.
Alacarz staying optimistic
Judging by his current state, Alcaraz is likely to miss the Italian Open, too. The former world number one won the French Open tune-up tournament last year.
“For now, I’ve been trying to stay positive, to stay upbeat, even though these days have become a bit too long,” he added.
The 22-year-old superstar athlete won the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award on Monday. Meanwhile, world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award.