Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz practiced at Roland-Garros on Wednesday. Sinner was expected to miss the season’s second Grand Slam.
Both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have been suffering from ailments in preparation for the French Open, but both practiced at Roland-Garros on Wednesday afternoon.
Sinner, in particular, has faced questions about the season’s second major. Last week, sports newspaper Gazzetta announced that the 22-year-old Italian would retire. However, it appears that Sinner may be able to play in Paris.
A practice session, of course, does not confirm Sinner’s participation. Nonetheless, the reigning Australian Open champion’s training session with Kei Nishikori was a promising development as he worked to recover from a chronic hip issue. Sinner withdrew from the Mutua Madrid Open before the quarterfinals; thus, he was unable to compete in his hometown Masters 1000 tournament in Rome.
Prior to training with Nishikori, the world’s number two met Rafael Nadal on Court Philippe-Chatrier.
Alcaraz also advanced to the Madrid quarterfinals but was defeated by Andrey Rublev due to a right arm injury. The 21-year-old Spaniard later joined Sinner in withdrawing from Rome.
There was no doubt that Alcaraz would be ready for Roland-Garros, and Wednesday’s practice reaffirmed those expectations. The world number three went to the court alongside France’s Luca Van Assche to train.
Alcaraz is aiming for his third grand slam championship and his first at the French Open. He lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals last year.