The French Open 2026 is set to produce a new Grand Slam champion, ending the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at major tournaments. Since the 2023 US Open, one of these two stars had won every Grand Slam title. However, this year's Roland Garros took a different turn after Alcaraz was forced out with injury and Sinner suffered a surprise early exit.
Alcaraz's Injury and Sinner's Early Exit
Carlos Alcaraz has been sidelined since injuring his right wrist at the Barcelona Open in April. The problem forced him to miss Madrid, Rome, the French Open, Queen's Club Championships, and Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner entered Roland Garros as the tournament favorite but was knocked out in the second round by Argentina's Juan Manuel Cerundolo. With both players away from competition, they have shifted their focus toward recovery and personal time before returning to the tour.
Alcaraz's Recovery and Optimism
Carlos Alcaraz has spent recent weeks recovering from his wrist injury and enjoying time with family and friends. The Spaniard was recently spotted in Comporta, Portugal, where he played football on the beach. Fans also noticed a positive sign in his recovery, as he was wearing a lighter wrist support compared to the bulky brace he had used during earlier public appearances. Speaking about watching the French Open from home, Alcaraz said it was difficult to see tournaments he wanted to play in. However, he remained optimistic and believes there is a reason behind every setback. He explained that this period has helped him appreciate the importance of family and the support they have always given him. The former world No. 1 added that he is confident good things await him when he eventually returns to competition.
Sinner's Disappointment and Break
While Alcaraz watched from home, Jannik Sinner experienced disappointment on the court. The Italian world No. 1 looked set for a deep run in Paris but struggled with dizziness, nausea, and cramps during his second-round match against Cerundolo. After winning the opening two sets, Sinner's condition worsened and he eventually lost in five sets. Following the defeat, Sinner revealed that he plans to take a break from competition before Wimbledon. He explained that his main priority is to fully recover both physically and mentally before defending his title at the All England Club. After leaving Paris, the 24-year-old returned to Monaco and was recently seen enjoying a ride on his red Vespa.
Upcoming Returns
Sinner is expected to return at Wimbledon, which begins on June 29. Meanwhile, tennis fans continue to wait for confirmation of Alcaraz's comeback, which is likely to happen during the North American hard-court season ahead of the US Open.
