Carlos Alcaraz\u2019s shock announcement that he was withdrawing from both the Italian Open and the French Open sent shockwaves through the tennis world, coming during Jannik Sinner\u2019s first match at the Madrid Open.<\/p>\n
The Italian gave his immediate reaction to the injury news and made clear that he was keen to see his rival return to the tour as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n
Whilst some believe Alcaraz\u2019s absence may most benefit Sinner, other tennis experts believe it could instead add pressure on the world No 1 \u2013 potentially giving the likes of Novak Djokovic an advantage.<\/p>\n
In addition, Iga Swiatek was left in tears after being forced to withdraw during her third-round match at the Madrid Open.<\/p>\n
Here are some of the top tennis stories from Saturday.<\/p>\n
Sinner calls for Alcaraz\u2019s speedy return to the tour<\/p>\n
Sinner was halfway through his first match at the Madrid Open when Alcaraz made his withdrawals from the Italian Open and French Open official.<\/p>\n
When informed, he said it was \u201cvery sad for tennis,\u201d noting that Alcaraz had been in strong form before the setback, having won both events in 2025.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard picked up a wrist injury during his opening match at the Barcelona Open, which he won 6-4, 6-2 against Otto Virtanen.<\/p>\n
Alcaraz then also skipped Madrid, with the recent withdrawals marking his first Grand Slam absence since early 2023.<\/p>\n
READ: Jannik Sinner speaks out about Carlos Alcaraz\u2019s \u2018very sad\u2019 French Open withdrawal<\/a><\/p>\n Latest Tennis News<\/p>\n Carlos Alcaraz\u2019s potential return date revealed as encouraging new details shared by Spanish insider<\/a><\/p>\n Daniil Medvedev explains why Carlos Alcaraz & Jannik Sinner are dominating \u2013 and names their closest rival<\/a><\/p>\n Djokovic 25th Grand Slam hopes boosted by Alcaraz absence<\/p>\n Heading into the upcoming French Open, Alcaraz and Sinner have won all of the last nine Grand Slams.<\/p>\n It would follow, then, that the latter would be a near-lock pick for the Parisian title \u2013 which would complete the Career Grand Slam.<\/p>\n However, Jason Goodall \u2013 a long-time tennis commentator and analyst \u2013 remarked that the world No 2\u2019s withdrawal may simply pile additional pressure onto Sinner.<\/p>\n When asked if he considered himself the overwhelming favourite, Sinner downplayed the idea, insisting the focus should not be on that. Instead, he emphasised how important Alcaraz is to the sport.<\/p>\n Goodall also added that Djokovic may be the biggest beneficiary, especially considering his two most recent Grand Slam losses came against the Spaniard \u2013 despite beating Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.<\/p>\n READ: Tennis experts reveal why Novak Djokovic, not Jannik Sinner, benefits most from Carlos Alcaraz\u2019s French Open withdrawal<\/a><\/p>\n Swiatek leaves Madrid Open court in tears after medical retirement<\/p>\n Swiatek suffered another disappointing result in 2026 after being forced to retire against American Ann Li during their third-round clash.<\/p>\n The Pole lost a tight first-set tiebreak 7-6(4), but cruised through the second set 6-2 and appeared to be in control.<\/p>\n However, the world No 4 looked fatigued from the start of the decider and had her vital signs checked while trailing 3-0.<\/p>\n After breaking down in tears, Swiatek shook hands with Li and the umpire before walking off court.<\/p>\n The retirement comes less than two weeks after her disappointing loss at the Stuttgart Open to Mirra Andreeva.<\/p>\n