Rafael Nadal recently shared his view on Carlos Alcaraz’s announcement of withdrawing from the 2026 French Open tournament. The 14-time Roland Garros champion backed the young Spaniard’s decision, stating it was a smart one.
Alcaraz pulled out of defending his French Open title for the second consecutive time after suffering a wrist injury during his first-round match at the Barcelona Open in April. Following the diagnosis, it was found that the Spanish star is suffering from tenosynovitis, a common injury in tennis players, caused by repetitive use of wrist movement while hitting the ball. The injury has not only forced Alcaraz to withdraw from the rest of the clay season but also made his participation at Wimbledon uncertain.
Thanks for the submission!
However, the veteran Spaniard has supported Alcaraz’s decision, stating he is an experienced player on the tour and hence knows what would work best for him. Nadal also emphasized that since Alcaraz is young and has a long journey ahead of him, the decision to withdraw and rest makes sense.
“He’s no longer a novice on the circuit; he knows how it works. It’s obviously very frustrating, especially since it happened to him at this time of year. I think it’s tough, but fortunately, it’s not a chronic injury, and he made the right decisions, taking into account that he’s very young, has a whole career ahead of him, and is following the treatment he needs. It’s something I know well because I’ve injured myself twice in the same area he’s suffering from. I spoke to him when it happened, but our conversation will remain private.” (via welovetennis.fr)
Nadal was also forced to withdraw from the 2016 French Open due to a wrist injury.
Carlos Alcaraz opens up on his rivalry with Jannik Sinner
Carlos Alcaraz opened up on his rivalry with World No.1 Jannik Sinner, stating that although they are fierce competitors, they can be good friends off the court. He further emphasized that since all tennis players are working towards the same goal, it is difficult to build strong bonds, but it isn’t impossible.
“We’re showing the world that we can be on court and give our best, and try to do the most possible damage to the other while playing, try to beat each other, and then, off court, just be two guys who get along really well. We help each other give our best.”
“We are fighting for the same goal, but there’s no need to hate each other because we want the same thing,” Alcaraz added, “When you are competing at this level, having a close friendship is complicated. It can be done. I’m all for it.” (tennisnow.com)
As of now, Carlos Alcaraz is leading the overall head-to-head score against Sinner with 11-7.
What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here
Edited by Janhavi Shinde