Madrid, April 20 (NationPress) As the French Open approaches, Carlos Alcaraz is in a critical situation, working diligently to recover from a wrist injury. The Spanish tennis star has acknowledged that the upcoming medical evaluations will play a crucial role in deciding whether he can participate in this prestigious clay court tournament.

The World No. 2 had to withdraw from both the Barcelona Open and the Madrid Open after suffering this injury during his first match in Barcelona. This setback has raised significant concerns as he heads to Roland Garros, where he is the reigning champion.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure that the upcoming tests yield positive results. I’m trying to remain patient. We're waiting for a few tests in the coming days to assess the injury and determine our next steps,” Alcaraz shared.

The 22-year-old recognized the severity of his condition and emphasized the importance of taking a careful approach to his recovery, even if it results in missing important events during the clay season.

“I’d prefer to return later in optimal condition rather than rush back and risk my health. I hope to have a long career ahead, and pushing too hard at Roland Garros could jeopardize my performance in future tournaments. In the professional arena, challenges arise, and I must accept them. It’s essential to recover thoroughly to prevent any long-term consequences,” he remarked.

Alcaraz’s withdrawal from recent matches has also affected the rankings, allowing Jannik Sinner to reclaim the World No. 1 position after defeating him in the Monte Carlo Masters final earlier this month.

Despite the injury concerns, Alcaraz found a reason to celebrate off the court, being honored as the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year 2026 at a ceremony in Madrid. He triumphed over a competitive group that included Sinner, cycling champion Tadej Pogacar, football star Ousmane Dembele, pole vault champion Armand Duplantis, and motorcycle racer Marc Marquez.

Reflecting on his accomplishments over the past year, Alcaraz emphasized the significance of both success and the journey that led him there.

“Winning two Grand Slams and finishing the year as the world No. 1 has been a lifelong dream,” Alcaraz expressed while accepting the award.

“Looking back, I don’t just focus on the trophies and outcomes but also on the experiences, the hard work, the challenging times, the support from those around me, and the lessons learned along the way.”

The Spaniard expressed gratitude towards his support system, recognizing their vital role in his progress.

“I want to extend my thanks to my family and team. I am fortunate to have their unwavering support. They have been with me through both triumphs and hardships, helping me grow as an athlete and an individual. This award is for them as well,” he concluded.

As the clay-court season intensifies leading up to Roland Garros, attention will be focused on Alcaraz’s recovery journey, as he navigates immediate goals while prioritizing long-term health.