Carlos Alcaraz would have been keeping close tabs on the French Open, which he missed because of a wrist injury.
Alcaraz has been practising as he looks to get back to full fitness, but the Spaniard will remain sidelined for the grass-court swing.
A major blow for the ATP Tour and tennis in general, Alcaraz has been ruled out of Wimbledon, with a return date for the 23-year-old still unclear.
It’s a hugely frustrating period for Alcaraz, but he should be feeling delighted with the events that unfolded at the French Open during his absence.
Which player has the most to gain from Carlos Alcaraz’s Wimbledon withdrawal?
Carlos Alcaraz should be delighted by French Open despite injury
Given the absence of Alcaraz in Paris, world number one and top seed Jannik Sinner was the overwhelming favorite to emerge victorious.
But Sinner lost in the French Open second round, while Novak Djokovic, another contender, fell in the third round.
Their early exits were a shock to the system, and should allow Alcaraz to rest in the knowledge that the pair clearly aren’t at their best right now.
It is a situation that the Spaniard can take advantage of when he returns, with such a return looking very likely to be a successful one.
Moreover, while Alexander Zverev went on to lift the trophy, his display in the final against Flavio Cobolli was less than convincing.
The German needed five sets to claim his maiden Grand Slam title, which again bodes well for an immediate impact from Alcaraz upon his return.
Which player disappointed you the most at the French Open?
There are plenty to choose from…
Carlos Alcaraz maintains major bragging right over Jannik Sinner
Sinner’s shortcomings at the French Open may have just provided Alcaraz with an added boost in their ongoing rivalry.
The pair have a healthy relationship off the court, but that is put to one side when they go face-to-face on the court.
And it is a thrilling battle that the Spaniard is currently winning, with Alcaraz boasting a 10-7 head-to-head record with Sinner.
But he’s also just witnessed the Italian fall short of completing the career Grand Slam, which he could have done by winning the French Open.
In contrast, Alcaraz was able to achieve the feat earlier this season at the Australian Open, which gives him bragging rights in that regard, and perhaps even a mental edge going forward.
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