Coco Gauff shares message for Carlos Alcaraz following his French Open withdrawal

Carlos Alcaraz won’t defend his French Open title next month.

While the stars of the WTA and ATP Tours were battling it out in Madrid, Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the French Open.

After Coco Gauff won her second-round match at the Madrid Open, she sent Alcaraz a message of support on social media.

Coco Gauff shares well wishes for Carlos Alcaraz after French Open withdrawal

Gauff wasted no time responding to Alcaraz’s Instagram post with a supportive message.

“So sorry to see this,” she wrote. “Get well soon.”

The American wasn’t the only one reaching out. Patrick Mouratoglou, who coached Serena Williams, also shared his thoughts.

“Extremely sad news, but wise decision,” he said. “A career is long.”

Players and pundits alike showed their support for the world number two, recognising just how much his absence will be felt in Paris.

Alcaraz won his first French Open title in 2024 and successfully defended it the following year.

This year, with the Spaniard unable to chase a third straight title, the draw is wide open for a new champion to emerge.

Stan Wawrinka and Novak Djokovic are the only past winners in the field. At 41, it’s unlikely Wawrinka will add another major, but Djokovic has a strong chance.

The Serbian star may see this as his best shot yet at claiming a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

What could be next for Carlos Alcaraz after French Open withdrawal?

Alcaraz is definitely out for the rest of the clay-court season, but there’s still no word yet on when he’ll be back.

He will be aiming to return for the grass-court swing, though, a surface where he’s found plenty of success in the past.

The Spaniard won Wimbledon back-to-back in 2023 and 2024 before falling short in last year’s final.

He also took the title at Queen’s Club last year, finishing with an 11-1 record on grass for 2025.

But there’s not much time between the French Open and Wimbledon. If his injury is serious enough that he had to withdraw from Roland Garros this early, his participation at Wimbledon could also be in doubt.

Alcaraz may even decide to return later in the year. Should he choose to skip grass altogether, a comeback during the hardcourt season would be an option – perhaps starting with Toronto or even later.

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