Carlos Alcaraz shares a gloomy update on the French Open while accepting an award wearing a wrist brace.
Carlos Alcaraz shared a less hopeful update about his chances of playing in the French Open during the Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday evening, where he wore a wrist brace.
After recently losing the World No. 1 spot to Jannik Sinner following his loss to Sinner in the Monte-Carlo Masters final, Alcaraz had to withdraw from the Barcelona Open last week because of a right wrist injury he got while winning his first match against Otto Virtanen. He also confirmed he would miss this week’s Madrid Open for the second year in a row. Now, he says it’s uncertain if he will be ready for Roland-Garros next month.
When asked about his chances on the red carpet at the ceremony in Madrid, Carlos said, “Well, we’ll have to wait and see. The next test will be really important. We’re doing everything we can to make sure the test goes well. I’m trying to be patient these days, but we’re hanging in there and waiting.” He added that some tests are coming soon, and from those, they will know how bad the injury is and what to do next. “For now, I’m trying to stay positive and keep my spirits up, even though the days are tough.”
In another interview, Alcaraz said he will only play at the French Open if he’s completely ready. “I have a long career ahead, with many years to go, and pushing myself to play at Roland Garros now could hurt my future. Like I said, we’ll see how the tests go and decide then. I’d rather come back later but fully healthy than too soon.”
Although the news about his injury isn’t the best, the 22-year-old had something great to celebrate. He was named Laureus Sportsman of the Year for the first time! This award recognized his amazing 2025 season, where he won the French Open and US Open and reached the No. 1 spot before recently being overtaken by Sinner.
“It means so much to get this recognition from people who know sports so well,” Alcaraz said when he accepted the award. “This is a night I’ll never forget and a moment I’ll always keep close to my heart.”
Aryna Sabalenka also won big, taking the Sportswoman of the Year award, helped by her US Open win. F1 driver Lando Norris won Breakthrough of the Year, and golfer Rory McIlroy was named World Comeback of the Year.
The Laureus World Sports Awards started in 1999 to celebrate the best individual and team sports achievements each year. Tennis great Roger Federer holds the record with six awards.