Jannik Sinner called Carlos Alcaraz’s injury-enforced withdrawal from the Madrid Open “tough to swallow” for the event and said that the absence of his biggest rival will significantly impact his bid to capture a record fifth consecutive Masters title.
It’s a very tough thing for the tournament. Last year he didn’t play, so twice in a row is tough. And also Novak [Djokovic] is not here, it’s tough to swallow for the tournament. It is always different when Carlos and Novak are not in the draw. I would say [this situation is] unique because we have shared since last year a lot of tournaments.Jannik Sinner
Alcaraz had to pull out of this week’s Madrid Open, the premier tournament in his home country, for the second consecutive year after suffering a right wrist injury during his opening-round match at the Barcelona Open last week. On Monday, he appeared with his wrist in a cast at the Laureus Sports Awards in Madrid, where he received the World Sportsman of the Year honor.
In several interviews during the event, Alcaraz avoided making a firm commitment about playing at Roland Garros. The 22-year-old has captured the French Open title in each of the past two years, despite entering both tournaments after clay-court seasons disrupted by injuries. This time, however, he indicated that he intends to prioritise protecting his long-term health over taking a major risk by competing at Roland Garros this year.
We have a very long road ahead, many years in front. Forcing myself in this Roland Garros could hurt me a lot for the future. We’ll see what happens with the tests. I would prefer to return a bit later but very well, rather than rushing to return early and badly.Carlos Alcaraz
Sinner also attended the Laureus Awards, where he was nominated in the same category as Alcaraz. He explained that he chose not to ask Alcaraz about his injury when they spoke at the event. “I talked with him,” Sinner said. “We didn’t discuss this subject much. I think it’s something very private. But we all saw that he was wearing a cast. Hopefully it will help him return as soon as possible. It’s a real shame not to have him here, and Novak as well, the two biggest stars in tennis. We still hope it will be a good tournament, but of course, their absence makes a big difference.”
For Sinner, the absence of Alcaraz and Djokovic – the only two players to have defeated him at a grand slam event since Wimbledon 2024 – gives him an even stronger opportunity to build on his recent triumphs in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo by capturing his first title in Madrid. “My approach is always the same: we take it day by day. There are tough challenges ahead of me, starting from the very first match,” he said.