Carlos Alcaraz withdrawal sparks reactions from Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff and Arthur Fils
ATPSaturday, 25 April 2026 at 04:30
The withdrawal of Carlos Alcaraz from the remainder of the clay swing became the dominant storyline across the sport on Friday, triggering immediate reactions from players and former champions who voiced support after the Spaniard confirmed he will miss both the Italian Open and Roland Garros. Messages from figures including Rafael Nadal, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner and Boris Becker underlined the scale of the absence.
The 7-time Grand Slam champion, was forced to step away after medical tests confirmed the need for caution with a persistent wrist issue. His decision not only removes him from two of the most significant events of the clay season, but also eliminates any realistic chance of defending his titles in Rome and Paris, where he had built a substantial portion of his ranking total.
The timing compounds the competitive impact. Having already withdrawn from Barcelona and Madrid after finishing runner-up at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Alcaraz now faces a projected drop of around 3,000 ranking points. That shift effectively removes him from the No. 1 race for at least the coming months, altering the balance at the top of the ATP Tour.
The Spaniard confirmed the decision through a statement on social media, framing it as a necessary pause to avoid further complications during a demanding stretch of the calendar.
“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.”
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“Tennis needs Carlos”: Sinner and Nadal lead early reaction to Alcaraz withdrawal
Jannik Sinner was among the first players to respond, addressing the news during his press conference at the Madrid Open. The world No. 1 shifted the focus away from competitive implications, instead emphasising Alcaraz’s role within the sport.
“Tennis needs Carlos - tennis is a much better spirit when he's around. And also for me personally, it's nice when he's around, it makes me look also in the draw and single matches in a different way. Even though if I face Carlos, it would always be in the final, being the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds.”
Sinner also acknowledged the broader impact of the absence, particularly given their rivalry, which has consistently shaped late-stage matches across major tournaments. “I send him a speedy recovery, even though it's painful and very sad for tennis.”
Rafael Nadal added his support through social media, framing the moment as part of a longer career trajectory rather than an isolated setback. “Stay strong, Carlos! I hope you have the fastest possible recovery. These difficult moments highlight everything you are doing. Stay strong and a big hug!”
“We’re going to miss a great champion”: Gauff, Fils and Becker reflect on Alcaraz’s absence
The reaction extended across both tours, with Coco Gauff among those to address the news shortly after completing her match in Madrid. Her comments combined personal appreciation with a broader view of Alcaraz’s presence on tour.
“I'm so sad about Carlos. That's the first thing I saw after I finished my match. I wish him all the best. He's a nice person. I don't know him super well, but every time we interact, he's super nice and just one of those players that makes the room lighter.”
Gauff also highlighted the importance of managing recovery carefully, particularly given the long-term risks associated with returning too early. “So you don't wish anyone injured, but especially after defending a big title and things like that. I wish him a speedy recovery for Wimbledon. I'm glad he's trying not to force it and maybe make a career-ending mistake.”
Arthur Fils echoed the sentiment from a competitive perspective, focusing on the absence from upcoming events. “It's really bad news. He's a great guy, a great friend. I think we're all going to miss a great champion there. But he will be back, and when he does, he will win several more titles.”
Former world No. 1 Boris Becker added to the reaction: “Wishing you a full & speedy recovery! Tennis is NOT the same without you,” posted the German former world No. 1, alongside figures such as Andy Roddick, Sloane Stephens, Patrick Mouratoglou and Christopher Eubanks, all of whom shared messages of support through social media.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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