Rafael Nadal expressed his support for Carlos Alcaraz's decision to withdraw from the 2026 French Open due to a wrist injury. Alcaraz, who is dealing with tenosynovitis, a common condition among tennis players, will miss the clay season and potentially Wimbledon as he focuses on recovery. Nadal, a veteran of the sport and a 14-time champion at Roland Garros, understands the challenges of such injuries, having faced a similar situation in 2016. He praised Alcaraz's maturity in making this decision, stating, "He knows how it works" and that it is essential for young athletes to prioritize their health. Nadal highlighted that while it is frustrating for Alcaraz, the injury is not chronic, and taking time off is a wise choice for his long-term career. In addition to discussing Alcaraz's injury, the young Spaniard shared insights about his rivalry with Jannik Sinner, emphasizing their competitive spirit on the court while maintaining a good friendship off it. Alcaraz currently leads their head-to-head record at 11-7.