Roland Garros may be well and truly underway, but Carlos Alcaraz’s absence is still duly noted.
After all, for the competition to be without its defending champion is tough, particularly when that player is as talented and entertaining as the Spaniard is.
However, as much as the tennis world is hurting without his presence, for the 23-year-old, this must be torture.
To be forced to sit and watch from the sidelines, at an event where he has been so dominant, is cruel.
Carlos Alcaraz has since spoken for the very first time since the event began.
Carlos Alcaraz speaks for the first time since Roland Garros start
Speaking at an event today, he offered a short but poignant update on his emotions whilst watching Roland Garros from home.
The seven-time major champion admitted: “I’m watching the results from home, watching my rivals compete, the tournaments I wish I could be playing in but can’t.”
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However, Alcaraz remains positive, adding: “But everything happens for a reason. I believe it’s fate, and that life has something special for me when I return, something beautiful.”
Despite his injury, Alcaraz was still able to send a message to Gael Monfils, who played his last-ever match at the French Open last night.
Roland Garros massively misses the injured Carlos Alcaraz
Whilst the women’s draw is laden with exciting matches with elite players, the men’s side does feel decidedly barren.
And whilst the addition of one man would not change the entire landscape of the ATP Tour, it would certainly provide fans with an almighty boost.
After all, his showmanship is enough to make an entire day of waiting worth it. Not to mention that he is a two-time champion here as well. His absence has left a humungous hole.
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Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are doing their best to fill the void, but neither provides the natural flair and athleticism, and the crowd involvement that Alcaraz specialises in.
Hopefully, as he predicts, there is something special in store for him once he returns to action, whenever that may be.
