Sebastian Korda withdraws from Roland Garros minutes before the draw.

Roland Garros 2026 in shock: Quarter-finalist of the Australian Open withdraws minutes before the draw!

The second Grand Slam of the 2026 season, Roland Garros, is about to kick off on the iconic Parisian clay, but the list of withdrawals is leaving fans and experts in disbelief. Following the confirmed absences of prominent names such as Carlos Alcaraz, Lorenzo Musetti, Jack Draper, and Holger Rune in the men’s draw, and Sonay Kartal, Marketa Vondrousova, and Varvara Gracheva in the women’s, a bombshell news has emerged that has shaken the tennis world.

Sebastian Korda, the American who reached the quarter-finals of the recent Australian Open, announced his withdrawal from the French competition just minutes before the official tournament draw. A decision that surprises, but which, in light of his recent trajectory, is nonetheless understandable.

Korda, who has not competed in an ATP tournament since the Miami Open – where he pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the season by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the second round – has been sidelined due to a back injury. Following an unexpected loss to Martin Landaluce in Miami, the young American talent reveals that his physical condition does not allow him to face the demanding clay court tournament cycle.

Despite initially being on the entry list for Roland Garros, Korda reconsidered the situation and concluded that his injury forces him to withdraw from the tournament. His spot will be filled by a lucky loser, a player who has progressed to the second round of qualifying, although the name has yet to be confirmed.

This withdrawal marks the lowest point of a season characterized by ups and downs for Korda. Among the highlights is his epic victory over Alcaraz and reaching the final in Delray Beach, as well as winning a Challenger tournament in San Diego. However, the American has also suffered unexpected defeats, such as his first-round elimination at the Australian Open against qualifier Michael Zheng, and a modest record during the “Sunshine Double.”

Currently ranked 47th in the ATP rankings, Korda risks falling out of the top 50 due to the loss of points he earned in last year’s Roland Garros, where he reached the third round. Players like Ethan Quinn, Gabriel Diallo, and Miomir Kecmanovic, positioned just behind him in the rankings and participating in the tournament, are ready to seize this opportunity.

Sebastian Korda’s exit is a heavy blow for Roland Garros and for the player himself, who sees his season increasingly compromised. With an already impressive list of withdrawals, the 2026 edition of the Paris major promises surprises and an open field, where new names could shine in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower.

This article first appeared on [Apito Final](https://apitofinal.pt/).