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Alcaraz Out of French Open, Jodar Shines in Madrid
27 Apr
Summary
- Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the 2026 French Open due to a wrist injury.
- Teenager Rafael Jodar became the new focus after defeating Alex de Minaur.
- Alcaraz also won the 2026 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award.
Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal from the 2026 French Open, announced following the Madrid Open, has significantly altered the tennis landscape. The Spanish star, a strong contender for a third consecutive clay-court Grand Slam, was sidelined by a wrist and forearm injury sustained during his match against Otto Virtanen.
The mood in Spain quickly pivoted from Alcaraz's potential Roland Garros defense to the unexpected rise of 18-year-old Rafael Jodar. Jodar seized the spotlight by defeating top-10 player Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-1 in just 75 minutes, marking his most significant career win.
Former player Andrea Petkovic commented on the rapid shift in fan focus, noting how quickly the attention moved from Alcaraz to Jodar, attributing it to the fast-paced nature of professional tennis and capitalism.
Despite his injury, Alcaraz celebrated a major personal achievement, being named the 2026 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year. This award recognized his outstanding 2025 season, which included eight titles, notably the French Open and US Open, fulfilling a long-held dream for the young champion.
