Novak Djokovic targets French Open return as Carlos Alcaraz faces race to recover

April 24, 2026 Oliver Obel

With Roland Garros fast approaching, injury concerns around Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are beginning to shape the build-up to the clay-court Grand Slam.

While Djokovic is cautiously optimistic about making his return, defending champion Alcaraz is still waiting on key medical results that could determine whether he can compete in Paris.

Alcaraz’s title defence in doubt

Carlos Alcaraz’s preparations have been disrupted after he withdrew from the Barcelona Open with a wrist injury suffered shortly after his opening match.

The world number two now faces an anxious wait as further tests are expected to decide whether he will be fit in time to defend his French Open title later this month.

Speaking to Spanish broadcaster TVE, Alcaraz made clear that patience is his priority as he continues his recovery.

"We've been trying to do everything we can to make sure that this test goes well," he said. "I'm trying to be very patient. But we are good and just waiting a little bit."

He added that upcoming medical evaluations would provide clarity on both the severity of the issue and the timeline for his return. The Spaniard emphasized he would rather delay his comeback than risk worsening the injury by returning too soon.

Alcaraz, who defeated Jannik Sinner in last year’s final, is aiming to return for the tournament, which begins on May 24—but his participation remains uncertain.

Djokovic working toward comeback

Novak Djokovic is also dealing with injury setbacks after a stop-start season. The Serbian has withdrawn from several recent tournaments, including the Miami Open, Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open, due to a shoulder problem.

He has not played since his loss to Jack Draper at Indian Wells, raising questions about both his fitness and match sharpness heading into the clay season.

According to remarks made at the 2026 Laureus Awards, where he co-hosted alongside Eileen Gu, Djokovic is hopeful of being ready for Paris.

"Yes, I can't participate in the Mutua tournament [Madrid Open], but I'm here in Madrid again, which I really like," he said. "I have an injury, and I hope to be ready at least for Roland Garros."

He added that a potential return in Rome remains uncertain and will depend entirely on how his recovery progresses in the coming weeks.

What it means for Roland Garros

Djokovic has not won a Grand Slam since his 2023 US Open triumph over Daniil Medvedev, and a lack of recent match play could pose an additional challenge if he returns in time for the French Open.

Meanwhile, any absence—or reduced fitness—for Alcaraz would significantly impact the tournament, given his status as defending champion.

With both players facing a race against time, the men’s draw at Roland Garros could look very different depending on how their recoveries unfold.

Sources: Sportbible, TVE, Laureus Awards remarks