Carlos Alcaraz receives Rafael Nadal's support after French Open exit: 'These difficult moments truly highlight...'

Clay legend Rafael Nadal has expressed support for Carlos Alcaraz after a wrist injury denied the latter the opportunity to complete a hat-trick of titles at the French Open that gets underway next month. Seven-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz's participation at Roland Garros was doubtful ever since he suffered the injury in the Barcelona Open earlier this month, which forced him to stage a walkover in his Round of 16 clash against Czechia's Tomas Machac.

Alcaraz was then spotted at the Laureus World Sport Awards in Madrid with his right hand in a green cast, casting further doubt on his ability to successfully defend his French Open title for a second year running. And on Friday, the 22-year-old star put an end to all speculation by announcing his exit from the tournament, having also skipped the ongoing Madrid Open and the Rome Masters that gets underway on Tuesday.

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Nadal wishes Alcaraz speedy recovery

Nadal, who had won the French Open a record 14 times and had a special tribute in his honour on the opening day of the event last year, urged fellow Spaniard Alcaraz to "stay strong" and wished him a speedy recovery in a post on X.

"Hang in there, Carlos! I hope you have the speediest recovery possible. These difficult moments truly highlight the value of everything you are doing. Stay strong—sending you a big hug!" the 22-time Grand Slam winner wrote on Friday.

Alcaraz had won his seventh Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January, defeating Novak Djokovic in a pulsating final to not only become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam but also deny the 38-year-old a record 25th Major.

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And with Alcaraz out of the picture, arch-rival Jannik Sinner becomes the top favourite for the title this year, especially considering the Italian had beaten the Spaniard in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters – also part of the clay-court season – earlier this month.

Sinner had reached the French Open final for the first time last year, and was on the verge of adding a clay-court Major to his trophy cabinet when Alcaraz pulled off a comeback for the ages.