The chances that Carlos Alcaraz ever plays the Barcelona Open again are remote. Participating in the ATP event has cost him dearly in each of the past two years. In 2025, he was injured and had to miss the Madrid Masters. In 2026, he hurt his wrist and will miss much more.
Because of the wrist injury, Alcaraz posted on social media that he is not only having to withdraw from the Rome Masters in early May, but, more importantly, will not play at the French Open later in the month. That will cost him a large number of ranking points.
Alcaraz wrote, "After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing is to be cautious and not participate in Rome and Roland Garros, while we wait to assess the evolution to decide when we will return to the court. It's a complicated moment for me, but I'm sure we'll come out stronger from here."
Carlos Alcaraz forced to withdraw from Rome Masters and French Open due to wrist injury
He is currently ranked No. 2 after finishing last year on top. Due to Jannik Sinner not playing for three months early in 2025 due to failing two drug tests at Indian Wells in 2024, Alcaraz was able to overtake Sinner atop the ATP tour, but it also meant that Sinner could make up that lost ground this year.
That was even before Alcaraz was hurt, but now that he is, he will drop 1,000 points from not playing in Rome and 2,000 from not playing in Paris. By the time he returns, he might be closer to ATP No. 3 Alexander Zverev than ATP No. 1 Sinner.
Después de los resultados de las pruebas realizadas hoy, hemos decidido que lo más prudente es ser cautos y no participar en Roma y Roland Garros, a la espera de valorar la evolución para decidir cuándo volveremos a la pista. Es un momento complicado para mí, pero estoy seguro de… pic.twitter.com/U6PhjtXnBX
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) April 24, 2026
While the Spaniard missing important events is sad for tennis fans, it has to be brutal for Carlos Alcaraz, a player who has struggled with injuries for much of his short career. He has played through them and been successful for the most part, but one does have to worry about how long he will be able to perform at the level he wants.
Tennis isn't easy on the joints, of course. For a wrist to be injured can have very long-lasting effects, as well as one that can be easily injured after a player returns. Everyone wants the best for the Spaniard, of course, but the sport will continue without him for the foreseeable future.
The hope is that he can return soon, of course, but when he does return, he needs to be fully healthy. Rushing back does him no good. He will have his chance to catch up to Jannik Sinner. Likely next year, when Alcaraz makes up for the points he is dropping this year.
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