Novak Djokovic has sent a warm message to his rival Carlos Alcaraz, who is currently sidelined from the tour due to a wrist injury.

Alcaraz has not played since 14 April, when he sustained a right wrist injury in his opening round win at the Barcelona Open. The injury is reportedly an inflamed tendon sheath in Alcaraz’s wrist.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner pulled out before his second round match in Barcelona and said the injury was “more serious than we all expected.”

The world No 2 has since withdrew from the Masters events in Madrid and Rome, as well as the French Open and Wimbledon.

Alcaraz‘s absence arguably improves Djokovic‘s chances of winning a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.

Speaking to Europsort ahead of the French Open, Djokovic spoke about his hopes of achieving this at Roland Garros.

“Yeah, it would mean a lot, of course. I mean, that’s the goal, that’s the aim. We’re working towards that, and let’s see what happens.

“Yeah, to win 25 here would mean, of course, everything to me, and that’s the reason why I’m here, I’m competing. That’s the goal, and we’ll see what happens.”

The 39-year-old tennis legend then added: “Carlos, I hope you recover well. Tennis misses you. See you soon, amigo.”

In his pre-tournament press conference in Paris, Djokovic was asked how Alcaraz’s withdrawal impacts him.

“He’s a two-time defending champion of Roland Garros; of course, it’s a big blow for the tournament not to have him,” said the Serbian.

“Whether that changes my approach? I don’t think it does, significantly. I’ve been through challenging times with my body in the past six to eight months, so that was my primary focus, not really thinking about whether or not I have a better chance with Carlos [playing].

“If I’m healthy and able to maintain that level of freshness throughout the tournament, then I feel like I always have a very good chance. I’ve proven that.”

Djokovic defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in four sets in his opening round match at Roland Garros on Sunday night.

The Serbian star looked sharp throughout the contest despite dropping one set against the powerful Frenchman. Djokovic relied on his experience and tactical intelligence to overcome the home favourite in front of a lively Paris crowd. The victory marked another important milestone in his remarkable Grand Slam career and reinforced the belief that he remains one of the strongest contenders for the title, even at the age of 39.

Djokovic’s comments about Alcaraz also highlighted the mutual respect that has developed between the two players over the last few years. Although they are fierce rivals on court, both men have repeatedly praised each other in interviews and public appearances. Alcaraz has often described Djokovic as one of his biggest inspirations growing up, while Djokovic has commended the Spaniard for bringing excitement and energy to the sport.

Their rivalry has quickly become one of the most entertaining storylines in modern tennis. Matches between Djokovic and Alcaraz have produced unforgettable moments, including thrilling encounters at Wimbledon, Roland Garros, and ATP Masters events. Many fans and analysts believe the Spaniard is the natural successor to the Serbian legend, especially after his rapid rise to the top of the rankings at such a young age.

Alcaraz’s injury, therefore, comes as a disappointment not only for him personally but also for tennis fans worldwide. The 21-year-old had been expected to challenge strongly for the French Open and Wimbledon titles this season. His aggressive style, athletic movement, and fearless shot-making have made him one of the most popular players on the ATP Tour.

Several former players have also expressed concern about the increasing number of injuries affecting younger stars in the sport. The demanding tennis calendar, combined with the physical intensity of the modern game, has raised questions about scheduling and player workload. Alcaraz’s absence from multiple major tournaments has once again brought these discussions into focus.

Despite missing important events, Alcaraz has remained positive throughout his recovery process. In recent social media updates, he thanked fans for their support and reassured them that he is working hard to return stronger. His team is reportedly taking a cautious approach to avoid aggravating the wrist problem and to ensure he is fully fit before competing again.

Meanwhile, Djokovic enters the latter stages of his career with history still within reach. Winning a 25th Grand Slam title would further cement his position as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history. The Serbian has already broken numerous records, including most weeks at world No 1 and most Grand Slam titles in men’s tennis.

However, Djokovic faces strong competition in Paris despite Alcaraz’s absence. Rising stars such as Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, and Casper Ruud are all capable of challenging for the trophy, while experienced players continue to pose dangerous threats on clay courts.

For now, though, Djokovic appears fully focused on his own performance and physical condition. His comments suggest that while he acknowledges Alcaraz’s absence as significant for the tournament, he understands that winning another Grand Slam will still require exceptional tennis over two demanding weeks.

Fans will undoubtedly hope that Alcaraz can recover soon and resume his rivalry with Djokovic later this season. Tennis has benefited greatly from their battles, and the sport feels more exciting when both champions are healthy and competing at the highest level.