Carlos Alcaraz’s clay season has taken an unexpected turn after he withdrew from the Madrid Open earlier this month due to a wrist injury.

At first, the issue was seen as a precautionary move, with expectations that Alcaraz would quickly recover. However, the lack of clarity since then has shifted the mood around his fitness.

With Roland Garros approaching, uncertainty continues to grow. And an unclear answer from the defending champion about his participation has added to the doubts surrounding one of the tournament’s biggest names.

Alcaraz addressed his situation in an interview with Spanish TV channel RTVE, but his comments did little to ease concerns about his availability for the French Open.

When asked directly about his chances of competing in Paris, he stopped short of offering any guarantees. His response made it clear that his recovery remains uncertain.

“We will see. In the end, the next test is going to be crucial, so we are trying to do everything that is in our power to ensure that test turns out well,” he began by saying.

“I am trying to have a lot of patience these days, but we are fine. We are waiting a little bit. We have some tests coming up in a few days and from there we will see how the injury is and the steps to take.”

Those comments highlight the delicate balance between recovery and preparation. As defending champion, Alcaraz would be expected to arrive in peak condition, making any rushed return unlikely. Therefore, timing is also becoming a critical factor.

Roland Garros qualifying is scheduled to begin on 18 May, with the main draw set for the final week of the month. That leaves a limited window for Alcaraz to regain full fitness and build match sharpness on clay.

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