Jannik Sinner reacts to Carlos Alcaraz French Open withdrawal

Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Carlos Alcaraz has announced his withdrawal from the 2026 French Open.

Alcaraz made the announcement during Sinner’s first-round match in Madrid.

After his three-set win over Benjamin Bonzi, Sinner spoke to Spanish media on court and shared his initial thoughts on the news.

Jannik Sinner calls Carlos Alcaraz’s French Open withdrawal ‘sad news’ and admits he was caught off guard

Photo by Mark Avellino/Anadolu via Getty Images

“Just now?” Sinner asked when told about Alcaraz’s decision to pull out.

“That’s tough! That’s very tough.

“These kinds of injuries, I guess you have to go very, very slow, but it’s sad for tennis.

“Carlos, defending champion, and me, being a competitor, you always want to play against the best in the world, and he is definitely the best in the world here on this surface.

“So, it’s sad news. I wish him to recover as fast as possible.

Alcaraz got past Sinner in both his first (2021 Croatia Open) and most recent (2025 French Open) clay-court title matches.

Sinner heads into Paris as the clear favourite to win the title and complete his Career Grand Slam. But with Alcaraz out of action, any sense of advantage is tempered by their close friendship.

The two have played 17 times already. Although fans were hoping for another matchup this year on clay, it won’t happen now that Alcaraz is out. His health remains a top priority right now after what he has already achieved so far this season.

Jannik Sinner set as favourite after Alcaraz withdrawal, but Paris won’t be a walkover