Roland Garros in jeopardy. After a week of tests in Barcelona and rest in Murcia, Carlos Alcaraz appeared in front of the cameras on Monday at the Laureus Sports Awards gala to confirm what was hinted at in the Conde de Godó: he may not be able to play in the upcoming Grand Slam. The world number two suffered inflammation of the tendon in his right wrist with possible cartilage involvement against Otto Virtanen and the pain has not subsided yet.
Despite being on medication and wearing an immobilization splint in the area for four days, the injury requires more rest and the next steps are uncertain. It is highly unlikely that he will be able to compete in the Rome Masters 1000 starting on May 6, and it remains to be seen if he can participate in the Parisian tournament starting on the 24th of the same month.
"The next test will be crucial, so to speak. We are trying to do everything in our power to ensure that the test goes well. I am trying to stay positive, be upbeat, patient, although these days are dragging on. I cannot give a timeframe for my return," Alcaraz stated on the gala's red carpet before receiving the award for Best International Male Athlete of the year 2025 ahead of Jannik Sinner, Tadej Pogacar, Ousmane Dembelé, and Marc Márquez.
Withdrawing from Roland Garros would be a tough blow for the Spaniard, who would have to forget his dream of winning all four 'majors' in a year and practically give up on the number one spot until 2027, but it would prevent further harm. "Hopefully, I will have a very long career, many years ahead, and pushing myself in this Roland-Garros could harm me a lot for the future," Alcaraz acknowledged.
The wrist is a crucial joint in tennis, and any kind of pain is a major obstacle. Between sessions with his physiotherapist, Juanjo Moreno, the ATP ranking number two is studying cases like the one experienced by Juan Martín del Potro, who had to drastically shorten his career due to problems in both wrists. For now, surgery is ruled out, it is hoped that the injury will improve with medication and rest, and that is not a bad scenario. "I could be better, but I could also be worse," Alcaraz summed up at the awards held at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid.