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Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from 2026 French Open - Jannik Sinner Overwhelming Favourite at Roland Garros

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: Sat 25 Apr 2026 09:38

John Eastwood 25 Apr 2026

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Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the 2026 French Open due to a wrist injury
His absence turns Jannik Sinner into the tournament's clear favorite

Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the 2026 French Open (Getty)

The tennis world has been rocked with two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz officially announcing his withdrawal from the 2026 French Open.

The Injury: What Happened to Alcaraz?
Alcaraz’s Roland Garros Record
2026 French Open Winner Betting Odds

Following a series of tests on an injured wrist, the World No.2 confirmed he will not be able to defend his crown at Roland Garros, a development that fundamentally shifts the betting landscape for the season's second Grand Slam.

The Injury: What Happened to Alcaraz?

The injury that sidelined the Spaniard occurred during the Barcelona Open. Alcaraz sustained a right wrist injury during his first-round match against qualifier Otto Virtanen.

Although he managed to win that encounter, he was forced to withdraw from the remainder of the tournament the following day. After skipping the Madrid Open to prioritise recovery, Alcaraz underwent a final medical assessment on April 24, 2026.

The results were not what he or his fans hoped for. Alcaraz took to social media to make the announcement.

Reports suggest that the injury involves a significant strain to the tendons in his hitting wrist, an area that has plagued him sporadically over the last twelve months.

Alcaraz’s Roland Garros Record

Alcaraz’s absence is a seismic loss for the tournament given his historical dominance in Paris. Heading into 2026, he was aiming for a "three-peat" and held a formidable record:

Back-to-Back Champion: He won the title in 2024 and 2025.
The Sinner Rivalry: His 2025 victory was secured in an epic five-set final against Jannik Sinner, a match widely regarded as a changing-of-the-guard moment in tennis.
Surface Dominance: Before this withdrawal, Alcaraz had won over 90% of his matches on clay over the previous two seasons.

2026 French Open Winner Betting Odds

The betting markets have reacted instantly to the news. With Alcaraz out of contention, Jannik Sinner has moved to a heavy odds-on favourite.

Sinner, currently the World No.1, now has his best chance to complete a Career Grand Slam. His primary competition is expected to be Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic.

The value has largely evaporated from Sinner’s outright price. The alternative markets could now be targeted by savvy punters.

Player	Odds
Jannik Sinner	1.42
Alexander Zverev	7.00
Novak Djokovic	11.00
Arthur Fils	17.00
Lorenzo Musetti	17.00
Joao Fonseca	17.00
Casper Ruud	26.00
Jack Draper	29.00
Daniil Medvedev	34.00
Holger Rune	34.00
Jakub Mensik	41.00
Stefanos Tsitsipas	41.00
Rafael Jodar	51.00
Valentin Vacherot	51.00
Ben Shelton	51.00
Taylor Fritz	51.00
Tommy Paul	51.00
Alex De Minaur	51.00
Francsico Cerundolo	51.00
Andrey Rublev	67.00
Jiri Lehecka	67.00
Tomas Machac	67.00
Hubert Hurkacz	67.00
Sebastian Korda	67.00
Matteo Berrettini	67.00
Karen Khachanov	67.00
Frances Tiafoe	67.00
Flavio Cobolli	67.00
Felix Auger Aliassime	101.00
Learner Tien	101.00
Alejandro Tabilo	101.00
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina	101.00
Nicolas Jarry	101.00
Jaume Munar	101.00
Tallon Griekspoor	101.00
Alexander Bublik	101.00
Ugo Humbert	101.00
Grigor Dimitrov	101.00
Luciano Darderi	201.00
Cameron Norrie	201.00

Source: Stake.com with odds correct on 25 April 2026

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.