"It’s terrible for the sport and for Carlos, but we have to look at the bigger picture" - Rusedski questions Alcaraz preparation for Wimbledon amid wrist injury

The tennis landscape has been blown wide open on the men's side after a certain Carlos Alcaraz has been confirmed to be sidelined with a wrist injury for the rest of the clay swing. Former world number four Greg Rusedski agreed with Alcaraz's decision to prioritise his health in these times while relaying how big of an opportunity it is for Jannik Sinner with his rival not competing.

Alcaraz picked up the injury at the Barcelona Open, days after relinquishing the Monte-Carlo Masters title to the Italian. He won his opening round match but later withdrew from the tournament. The worst fears from the scan indicated a nasty injury that would need to be protected. Alcaraz opted not to rush back for the current tournament in Madrid or the following ones in Rome or Paris.

He released the news of on social media. "After the results of the tests carried out today, we have decided that the most prudent thing to do is to be cautious and not participate in Rome or Roland Garros as we wait to evaluate the progress so we can decide when to return to the court. This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of it stronger."

Rusedski looked over the situation with an uncertain gaze. "We were worried about him missing Madrid and Rome, but pulling out of Paris tells us it’s a little bit more serious," he said on his podcast. "The fact he’s done it this far out suggests it wasn’t much of a decision—it sounds like a clear call not to play."

The signs were there to see. "We saw him with a wrist cast at the Laureus Awards in Madrid, so we knew there was a problem. It’s terrible for the sport and for Carlos, but we have to look at the bigger picture. He’s still young, with potentially many more Grand Slams ahead of him."

Despite how big of a decision it is for Alcaraz to skip his defence of Roland Garros, the former British number one was a firm believer that he made the right call. "Absolutely. Health is your wealth," he adamantly stated. "He’s already achieved so much at a young age, and this shows his team is managing him correctly—no unnecessary pressure."

Next step for the 22-year-old is the third Grand Slam on the calendar. "The focus now is on being ready for Wimbledon. But missing Paris means more time out—around four and a half weeks in total—which raises questions about whether he’ll have enough preparation time for the grass-court season."

Alcaraz had won Wimbledon twice. He was looking to make it a trio of SW19 triumphs but his arch rival, Sinner, spoiled the party and won his fourth Grand Slam, first in London. The Spaniard will be desperate for his title back, but this wrist issue will do no good in his preparation.

"It’s not ideal," Rusedski noted. "You wouldn’t want to go into Wimbledon without playing for two months. But grass is very different from clay—shorter points, quicker conditions—so it may help ease the transition. He’ll only come back when he’s 100% fit. Hopefully, he’ll be ready for the grass-court swing."

It is the second time Alcaraz has missed the chance to play in the Madrid Open. For Sinner, who was suspended this time last year, sees a golden opportunity to strike, looking for a fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title.

"It’s a huge opportunity for Jannik Sinner. The draw really opens up," Rusedski analysed. "He’s been incredibly consistent, especially since the Australian Open, and his serving numbers and accuracy have improved significantly. He’s playing at a different level right now. Madrid might be tricky due to the altitude, but Rome and Paris look like major opportunities for him."

Rusedski was very much on the Sinner bandwagon heading into Roland Garros. "I think he’s the hot favourite. His preparation is perfect, and it would take something unusual to stop him. The only question is how he handles the added expectation. Before, the pressure was shared between him and Carlos Alcaraz. Now it’s all on Sinner—but mentally, he’s incredibly strong."

This also opens the door for other challengers to emerge from their shells. The most notable ones on paper have to be Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev. "Players will be thinking they only need to beat one top player now, not both Alcaraz and Sinner back-to-back. Alexander Zverev is one—he’s been very consistent. Novak Djokovic will also be looking at this as an opportunity, especially if he’s fit and playing Rome." Another name caught his eye. "A potential dark horse is Arthur Fils, especially playing at home in France."

With Wimbledon in possible doubt, a 25th Grand Slam for Djokovic could be secured in South London if the stars align. "If Alcaraz isn’t fully fit or misses time, and Sinner isn’t at his best on grass, then Wimbledon becomes a big opportunity for Djokovic," he said. "There have been some concerns about his fitness too, but Wimbledon is the one he’ll be targeting."

Rusedski concluded with his final thoughts on the matter. "Roland-Garros has suddenly become much more open and interesting. Sinner is still the favourite, but the added pressure will test him. Most importantly, we hope Carlos recovers fully—we need him back at his best for the sport."