Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesCarlos Alcaraz picked up a wrist injury at the Barcelona Open.As a result, he pulled out of that event and also decided not to play in the Madrid Open.While attending the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, Alcaraz spoke about his recovery, saying his next test would be “crucial” and left questions about whether he’ll be ready for Roland-Garros.Now, former Wimbledon semi-finalist John Isner has given his view on Alcaraz’s ongoing fitness issues.Isner raises concerns over Carlos Alcaraz’s wrist problemPhoto by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty ImagesSpeaking on a recent episode of ‘Nothing Major’, Isner shared his concerns.“I think this is a big cause for concern. It’s a right wrist injury!” he said.“You can’t practice right now.“He is out of Madrid, there is a decent chance he could miss Rome as well, you don’t want to mess around with a wrist injury.Isner offered his view on whether the 21-year-old can recover in time for Roland Garros and what it might mean for the French Open.“It doesn’t mean he can’t win Roland Garros because he’s that supremely talented, but this is a huge deal,” Isner said.Alcaraz has not played since losing in the Miami quarter-finals against Grigor Dimitrov in March.
The following month, he pulled out of Monte-Carlo and Barcelona due to an ongoing arm issue. He hopes to return to Rome at the start of May, although his participation remains unconfirmed.Wrist issues could cost Carlos Alcaraz his place at the top of the rankingsAlcaraz put together a dominant clay-court campaign in 2025, picking up titles in Monte Carlo and Rome, defending his Roland Garros crown, and reaching the Barcelona final.The run added 4,330 ranking points to his total.This season has been very different. He has yet to break 1,000 points on clay so far.Even if he were to win both Rome and Roland Garros—a tall order given his current condition—he’d still end up with 630 fewer points than last year’s tally.That’s bad news for his standing at the top of the game.Sinner climbed to number one after taking Monte Carlo and looks set to hold onto that spot for some time.If Alcaraz skips both Rome and Roland Garros, he’ll drop below 10,000 points.If Sinner matches or improves upon last year’s results—he missed Madrid but reached the finals in both Rome and Paris—he could build a gap of over 4,000 points between himself and Alcaraz.
That kind of margin would keep Sinner at world number one through the grass season.Sinner currently sits just ahead of Alcaraz on the all-time weeks-at-number-one list and may soon be closing in on a place in the top ten. As for what comes next between these two rivals, we’ll have to wait and see how things unfold over the coming months.Sinner is set to start his Madrid campaign this week against either a qualifier or lucky loser. Meanwhile, Alcaraz will focus on getting fit for Rome when play starts on May 5th. If he can’t make it back by then, attention will shift towards returning in time for Roland Garros later that month.Read more:Boris Becker gives his verdict on Joao Fonseca’s chances of winning a Grand Slam titleIga Swiatek reveals what she needs to change to get back to her bestAryna Sabalenka and Alexandra Eala link up with same practice partner before Madrid Open