Carlos Alcaraz misses French Open as golf habit blamed for wrist injury
World number two Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the French Open with a wrist injury, prompting Italian pundits to blame the 22-year-old’s off-court passion for golf and video games for the setback.
The Spaniard’s latest physical issue brings a premature end to his European clay-court campaign.
He had already been forced to pull out of recent tournaments in Barcelona and Madrid due to the persistent problem.
His absence at Roland Garros means the defending champion will be unable to pursue a third consecutive title in Paris.
Questions raised over off-court habits
As the reigning French Open winner focuses on rehabilitation, his lifestyle away from the tennis circuit has come under intense scrutiny.
Reports from Eurosport Italia suggest that excessive time spent on the golf course may have exacerbated the inflammation in his wrist.
Pundits have also pointed to long hours playing video games with friends as another potential aggravating factor.
Commentator Jacopo Lo Monaco argued on the Schiaffo Al Volo podcast that elite athletes must sometimes sacrifice their hobbies to preserve their bodies.
‘A life of sacrifice’
“The wrist is vulnerable, and sometimes you have to take care of your body while also understanding that, as a professional athlete, you may have to give up things you enjoy because it could make the situation worse.”
Lo Monaco suggested that the repetitive strain from gaming controllers or swinging a golf club could easily inflame delicate joints.
“Spending hours playing video games can cause pain in your fingers, hands, or wrists after a while, if you keep playing.”
The broadcaster further questioned whether the inflammation would have developed at all without these extracurricular activities, noting that rivals like world number one Jannik Sinner make greater personal sacrifices.
Wimbledon participation in doubt
Attention now turns to whether the talented right-hander will recover in time for the impending grass-court season.
He remains officially entered to defend his crown at Queen’s Club in June.
However, widespread reports indicate he is a major doubt for Wimbledon, which begins on 29 June.
Medical experts and his coaching team may decide to delay his return until the summer hard-court swing to ensure a complete and safe recovery.