The Italian Open 2026 has hit a massive snag right at the premier start of the tournament, as three of the biggest names in tennis, Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Draper, and Taylor Fritz, have joined the list of 13 major players who have officially pulled out of the tournament after reporting injuries. The tournament is being held at the prestigious clay court of Foro Italico in Rome.
Let’s take a closer look at the withdrawal reasons that have affected the top three players from setting foot in Rome:
Italian Open Injury Tracker
Carlos Alcaraz
Alcaraz’s Italian withdrawal is now another addition to his streak of setbacks that has enormously derailed the Spaniard’s European clay season. The world No. 2 has now been forced to pull out of the Italian Open after picking up a wrist injury back at the Barcelona Open.
The withdrawal is an echo of Alcaraz’s absence from the Madrid Open and came at a crucial point when Alcaraz was just expecting to build reasonable momentum for the upcoming French Open. The withdrawal also marks a significant opening for the world champion Jannik Sinner, who looks to capitalize on the Maiden French Cup.
Alcaraz is scheduled to be replaced by Austria’s Sebastian Ofner, entering the main draw to replace the reigning champion.
Taylor Fritz
America’s Taylor Fritz has been dealing with a severe case of tendonitis in his right knee since the beginning of 2026, and due to its severity, he has officially withdrawn from competing at Rome.
Back in March, Fritz had suggested that the Miami Open could be his last tournament for a while as he prepared to give considerable attention to his knee recovery. Despite the setback, he continued to compete, but the results turned mixed.
The world No. 7 has opened the door for fellow American Zachary Svajda, who will step into the main draw with a golden aim.
Jack Draper
Britain’s Jack Draper has also joined the withdrawal list, reporting a severe knee injury that stems back to the Barcelona Open, where he retired midway through a clash. Draper will be replaced by Serbia’s Hamad Medjedovic, who will go head-on against Valentin Royer.
Draper has joined Fritz and Alcaraz to prioritize long-term health by skipping the French and Italian tour to make a hopeful comeback in June’s grass court season.
The combined ATP Masters 1000 and the WTA 1000 event has seen 10 other players withdraw from the game, including Holger Rune, Reilly Opelka, Raphael Collignon, Arthur Cazaux, Kamil Majchrzak, Stan Wawrinka, and Eliot Spizzirri.
With the full swing withdrawals, promising hopefuls have now made it to the main draw, which includes Alexandre Muller, Mattia Bellucci, James Duckworth, and many other.
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