Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from Madrid Open Due to Injuries

MADRID, SPAIN — Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Madrid Open after sustaining injuries during the Barcelona final last Sunday. The third-ranked Spaniard announced his decision at a press conference on Thursday, citing concerns about aggravating his conditions ahead of the French Open.

Alcaraz, 21, suffered an adductor injury and a left hamstring strain during his match against Holger Rune in Barcelona, where he lost in straight sets. He stated, “I couldn’t practice the entire week and found out I had hamstring and groin injuries. I needed to listen to my body and make the right decision,” emphasizing the need to prioritize his health.

The two-time Madrid Open champion expressed disappointment over his withdrawal, saying, “Madrid is one of the special tournaments for me. It’s a tournament that I enjoy, I get to play in front of my fans, it’s one of the first tournaments I attended when I was a kid.” Alcaraz mentioned that the packed schedule in tennis can be challenging, necessitating difficult decisions regarding player health.

Despite the setback, Alcaraz remains hopeful about returning to action for the Italian Open, which starts on May 7. “I believe it’s going to take one week, one week and a half, two weeks maximum,” he said of his recovery timeframe. “I will try to relax, recover, and be back on the courts as soon as possible,” he added. Further medical tests are scheduled for April 28 to assess his progress.

The French Open, where Alcaraz is the defending champion, commences on May 25. This year, he has a record of 24 wins and 5 losses, including victories in both the Monte Carlo Masters and the Rotterdam tournaments.

Alcaraz concluded, “Tennis is really a demanding sport… But I will come back stronger for the next tournaments.” His withdrawal creates an opportunity for other competitors in the tournament, including Novak Djokovic, who is positioned in the same half of the draw.