Carlos Alcaraz is currently sidelined with a wrist injury that he picked up in Barcelona, which many feared might derail his season.
After all, having already withdrawn from Madrid and cast doubt over his participation in Rome, there was a very genuine worry that Roland Garros would be next.
Frustratingly for the Spaniard, and the entire tennis world, the worst has now been confirmed.
Carlos Alcaraz will miss the French Open this year, and in doing so, will surrender the crown to a new champion.
Carlos Alcaraz confirms he will miss Roland Garros
The 22-year-old took to social media to confirm his absence from the second Grand Slam of the season earlier today, in what was a heartfelt message laden with sadness.
This kind of emotional reaction was only natural for a player who has been so dominant at the event, and would have been the heavy favourite to defend his crown for a third straight year.
How worried are you about Carlos Alcaraz’s injury?
Carlos Alcaraz will miss Rome and Roland Garros…
“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,” he began. “We wait to evaluate the progress so we can decide when to return to the court.”
Alcaraz then added: “This is a difficult time for me, but I am sure we will come out of it stronger.”
It marks a devastating blow for the seven-time Grand Slam champion, but it should come as no surprise after Alcaraz’s latest fitness update earlier this month.
The Roland Garros title is now Jannik Sinner’s to lose
The news of Alcaraz’s absence will likely provoke a bittersweet reaction from Jannik Sinner, who has been so vocal lately about wanting his great rival to be playing whenever he is.
After all, he thrives off his presence, with the world’s two best players pushing one another to greater heights.
However, on this occasion, as Sinner seeks to complete his own career Grand Slam, the absence of Alcaraz will likely be a welcome sight.
Last year, the 24-year-old came within a point of the Roland Garros title, but was inexplicably thwarted in hugely dramatic fashion.
This year, he will not have that same huge roadblock.
He has to take advantage, although he will face growing pressure as more and more people start to brand it Sinner’s title to lose.
