Carlos Alcaraz continues his absence on the ATP Tour this week due to injury, and it remains to be seen when he will return to action.
Currently sidelined with a wrist issue, Alcaraz last played in Barcelona in mid-April, with his layoff now set to include Roland Garros and Wimbledon.
And that is a huge shame for the Spanish superstar and tennis in general, particularly given that he is the defending champion of the clay-court Grand Slam.
Alcaraz has already won Roland Garros twice in his stunning career so far, expertly taking over the mantle from Rafael Nadal.
And as Roland Garros nears, the 14-time champion has now been referenced by Alex Corretja in his latest assessment of their compatriot Alcaraz.
Is men’s tennis boring without Carlos Alcaraz?
Carlos Alcaraz injury produces ‘very deep sadness’
Former professional Corretja told TNT Sports of the ATP number two: “It’s a complicated Roland Garros for the Spaniards.
“Because we always had the feeling that there was one player – almost always Rafa who was someone incredibly important, the one in whom all hopes were placed, thinking he could win the title.
“And then Alcaraz arrived and created the same excitement, the same enthusiasm and, above all with that adrenaline of commentating his matches, interviewing him, knowing that great things were going to happen for Spanish tennis.
“And not having Carlos here feels like… like a very deep sadness, honestly.
“We’ve already spent many weeks without him but now that Roland-Garros is here, that feeling of sadness and especially uncertainty becomes even stronger – wondering when he’s going to come back.”
Shortly after the emotional verdict from Corretja, Alcaraz confirmed he will miss Wimbledon because of the injury.
Jannik Sinner almost certain to emulate Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros
Alcaraz is clearly a huge miss for men’s tennis and the sport in general, but his fierce rival Jannik Sinner has been making the very most of his absence.
The current world number one, Sinner is well ahead of Alcaraz in the rankings, and has recently claimed ATP Masters 1000 titles in Madrid and Rome.
He has completely dominated the scene of late, with the Italian now looking to take his momentum into Roland Garros.
Jannik Sinner is now a bigger favorite to win Roland Garros than Rafael Nadal ever was
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And given Alcaraz’s absence due to injury, Sinner is the overwhelming favorite to lift the trophy and claim the Career Grand Slam.
He will have won all four Grand Slams with success in Paris, which is a stunning feat that Alcaraz achieved when he won the Australian Open earlier this year.
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