Carlos Alcaraz exits Roland Garros after scans forced a retreat from Rome and Paris. Carlos Alcaraz cannot defend the trophy he seized in a five-hour final against Jannik Sinner, surrendering his title amid caution over wrist pain that surfaced after treatment in Barcelona. Momentum stalled in Madrid before medical verdicts closed the door.

Sinner reclaimed the No 1 ranking by beating Alcaraz in Monte Carlo, then watched the Spaniard fight through Barcelona before scans demanded rest. Alcaraz had carried the world No 2 ranking while completing a career Grand Slam as the youngest ever, yet swelling around the wrist pushed him toward withdrawal rather than risk on clay.

Absence ends a title defense built on resolve last year when Roland Garros slipped into Spanish hands after three saved championship points. Without those points on Paris courts this spring, Alcaraz shifts focus to healing while the draw opens for rivals to claim June glory.