Carlos Alcaraz gives pessimistic French Open update as he accepts award in wrist brace

Carlos Alcaraz gave a less than optimistic update on his chances of being fit for the French Open on Monday evening as he attended the Laureus World Sports Awards wearing a wrist brace.

After losing the World No.1 spot to Jannik Sinner with defeat to his rival in the Monte-Carlo Masters final earlier this month, Alcaraz then pulled out of the Barcelona Open last week after sustaining an injury to his right wrist in his opening win over Otto Virtanen.

And having already confirmed he would miss this week's Madrid Open, for the second year in a row, Alcaraz has now revealed that he is far from certain to be fit for Roland-Garros next month.

Asked about his chances on the red carpet at the prestigious ceremony in Madrid, the Spaniard said: "Well, we'll have to wait and see. Ultimately, the next test is going to be crucial.

"So we are trying to do everything in our power to make sure that the test goes well. I'm trying to be very patient these days, but we're doing okay. We're just hanging in there and waiting a bit.

"We have some tests coming up in a few days and from that point on, well, we'll see the extent of the injury and the next steps. For now, well, I'm trying to stay positive and keep my spirits up, even though these days are dragging on."

In a separate interview, Alcaraz added that he will only play at the French Open if he is 100% fit: "I have a long career ahead of me, with many years to go, and forcing myself to play at this Roland Garros could damage my future.

"As I said, we’ll see how things go in the tests and then we’ll decide based on that. I'd rather come back later but fit than too soon."

Alcaraz named Laureus Sportsman of the Year

While it was not the most positive of updates on the injury front from Alcaraz, the 22-year-old did have something to celebrate as he was named the Laureus Sportsman of the Year for the first time.

Honoured for an outstanding 2025 that saw him win the French Open and US Open, claiming the World No.1 spot in the process before his recent usurping by Sinner.

“To receive this recognition from people who understand sports so deeply, it makes it even more meaningful,” Alcaraz said as he accepted his award. “This is a night I will never forget, a moment I will keep in my heart forever.”

Aryna Sabalenka made it a tennis double as she was named Sportswoman of the Year, also in part due to winning the US Open, while F1's Lando Norris won the Breakthrough of the Year award, and golf's Rory McIlroy won the World Comeback of the Year award.

The Laureus World Sports Awards were established in 1999 to honour the best individual and team sporting achievements each year. Tennis legend Roger Federer holds the record for the most awards, with six.