Why did Gabriel Diallo retire from the French Open?

Diallo withdrew due to a back injury that had been troubling him heading into the tournament. He had also sustained a cut on a finger just days before the match, which appeared to affect his performance.

What was the score when Diallo retired?

Duckworth was leading 6-3, 4-1 when Diallo retired during the second set.

Which other Canadian players are still in the tournament?

Félix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, Leylah Fernandez, and Victoria Mboko are all scheduled to play their opening matches, with Fernandez playing Monday and the others on Tuesday.

Gabriel Diallo retires from French Open first round with injury

Maya Kapoor

juniors and pathway tennis

Published May 24, 2026Last updated May 25, 2026

canada grand-slam

Gabriel Diallo, a Canadian player from Montreal, retired from his first-round match at the French Open against James Duckworth while trailing 6-3, 4-1 in the second set due to a back injury. His withdrawal marks an early exit for one of Canada's representatives at the Grand Slam, with Félix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, Leylah Fernandez, and Victoria Mboko still scheduled to play their opening matches.

Key facts

Gabriel Diallo retired from his first-round match at the French Open against James Duckworth while trailing 6-3, 4-1 in the second set due to injury. (source)
Duckworth won the first set 6-3 in 43 minutes and broke Diallo at 4-2 after a netted backhand, then built a 4-1 lead in the second set before Diallo retired. (source)
Diallo had been managing lower back issues heading into the French Open and sustained a cut on a finger just days before the match. (source)
Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov are scheduled to play their opening matches on Tuesday, while Leylah Fernandez opens on Monday and Victoria Mboko plays on Tuesday. (source)

Gabriel Diallo is out of the French Open after retiring from his opening-round match against Australian James Duckworth on Sunday. The Montreal native withdrew due to injury while trailing 6-3, 4-1 in the second set at Roland Garros.

What happened in the match

Duckworth dominated the first set, winning 6-3 in 43 minutes after breaking Diallo at 4-2 following a netted backhand. In the second set, Duckworth quickly built a 4-1 lead before Diallo, who had been dealing with lower back issues heading into the tournament, chose to retire. Diallo recorded no aces and no break-point opportunities during the match, while Duckworth converted three of his five break chances and served three aces.

Diallo's injury concerns

The Canadian had been managing lower back problems in the lead-up to the French Open and sustained a cut on a finger just days before the match, which appeared to affect his play. After receiving a medical timeout for treatment during the second set, Diallo attempted to continue but was unable to do so.

What's next for Canada at Roland Garros

Diallo's early exit leaves other Canadian players to advance the nation's campaign. Félix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov are scheduled to play their opening matches on Tuesday, while Leylah Fernandez opens her tournament on Monday and Victoria Mboko plays on Tuesday. Duckworth advances to the second round, where he will face either 27th-seeded Rafael Jodar or American Aleksandar Kovacevic.

Sources

La Ronge NOW: Canada's Gabriel Diallo retires due to injury in opening match at French Open. Canadian Press, 2026-05-24.
Medicine Hat News: Canada's Gabriel Diallo retires due to injury in opening match at French Open. Canadian Press, 2026-05-24.
SSBCrack News: James Duckworth Advances to Second Round of French Open After Opponent's Injury. 2026-05-24.

Reported from public sources.

Frequently asked questions

Why did Gabriel Diallo retire from the French Open?: Diallo withdrew due to a back injury that had been troubling him heading into the tournament. He had also sustained a cut on a finger just days before the match, which appeared to affect his performance.
What was the score when Diallo retired?: Duckworth was leading 6-3, 4-1 when Diallo retired during the second set.
Which other Canadian players are still in the tournament?: Félix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, Leylah Fernandez, and Victoria Mboko are all scheduled to play their opening matches, with Fernandez playing Monday and the others on Tuesday.