“This is not what we should talk about”: Jannik Sinner rejects favourite status after Alcaraz pulls out of Roland Garros
ATPSaturday, 25 April 2026 at 01:00
Jannik Sinner responded to Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Italian Open and Roland Garros shortly after securing his opening win at the Madrid Open. The Italian was informed of the news during his post-match press conference, having just defeated Benjamin Bonzi in three sets, 6-7(6), 6-1, 6-4.
Alcaraz’s decision follows a disrupted clay swing marked by a right wrist injury that forced him out of Barcelona and Madrid after reaching the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters. In Monaco, he lost to Sinner in straight sets, a result that consolidated the Italian’s position at No. 1 and reinforced the competitive gap already shaped by ranking points dynamics during the spring.
The Spaniard was defending champion points in both Rome and Paris, leaving him exposed in the standings regardless of results. His withdrawal now confirms a drop of 3,000 points, effectively removing him from the No. 1 race through the clay and early grass phases.
The absence also interrupts a rivalry that has defined the upper tier of the ATP Tour, with Alcaraz leading their head-to-head 10–7 across 17 meetings.
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Their recent encounters have consistently come at the latter stages of tournaments, including last year’s Roland Garros clash, widely regarded as one of the standout matches of the season. That pattern—top-seeded, final-stage meetings—has framed both the sporting narrative and Sinner’s perspective on Alcaraz’s role within the Tour.
“Tennis needs Carlos”: Sinner’s reaction and perspective
Sinner made clear that his immediate reaction centred on the loss to the tour rather than any personal advantage, emphasising both the competitive and broader significance of Alcaraz’s presence. “I think most important is to say that, first of all, tennis needs Carlos. Tennis is a much better spirit when he's around.”
He also pointed to the effect Alcaraz has on his own preparation and competitive mindset, particularly at the latter stages of tournaments where their paths typically converge. “Also for me personally, it's nice when he's around. It makes me look also in the draw and in single matches in a different way.”
Sinner addressed the physical nature of the injury, highlighting the sensitivity of wrist issues in professional tennis and the risks associated with returning prematurely. “I do believe he's going to come back stronger than before. But injury is always tough, especially wrist. There are certain areas of our body that are very sensitive. The wrist we saw with those other players in the past can complicate our lives.”
He further underlined the importance of patience in recovery, suggesting that delaying a return could prevent longer-term complications and allow Alcaraz to regain full competitiveness. “I also believe that it's good that he and his team take the time. If you come back too early, then maybe you have a bigger problem afterwards.”
Finally, Sinner concluded with a direct message of support while reiterating his focus on the ongoing tournament in Madrid, where he advances to face Elmer Møller in the next round. “I send him a speedy recovery, even though it's painful and very sad for all tennis.”
Alcaraz injury confirmed: Rome and Roland Garros withdrawals
Carlos Alcaraz confirmed he will miss both the Italian Open and Roland Garros after medical tests on a persistent right wrist injury. The Spaniard announced the decision via social media, bringing an early end to his clay campaign after a sequence of withdrawals that included Barcelona and Madrid. The timing is particularly significant given he was defending champion points at both events, with a projected drop of around 3,000 ranking points.
“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.”
The 22-year-old described the situation as a difficult moment in his season, emphasising the need for patience in recovery rather than risking further damage during consecutive high-intensity tournaments.
His absence removes him from the competitive landscape on clay and effectively rules him out of the No. 1 race for the coming months, with the grass swing now emerging as the earliest potential return window. “This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of it stronger.”
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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