Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from Madrid Open Due to Injury
Carlos Alcaraz, the world number three tennis player, has unfortunately withdrawn from the Madrid Open due to a thigh injury, impacting his preparations for the upcoming French Open.
Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam winner from Spain, sustained the injury during his recent defeat in the Barcelona Open final against Holger Rune.
Speaking at a news conference, Alcaraz expressed his disappointment, stating, “I did everything I could, but unfortunately, the injury did not improve as expected. It was a tough decision, but we chose not to risk further damage.”
The 21-year-old was aiming to secure his third consecutive victory at the Madrid Open, having won the tournament in 2022 and 2023. However, he had been unable to train since arriving in Madrid earlier in the week.
Despite his setback, Alcaraz remains optimistic about his participation in the Italian Open and is confident that he will be ready for the French Open, which commences on May 25.
He mentioned, “I believe I will be ready for Roland Garros, and I am determined to compete in Rome as well. I will undergo further tests on Monday to assess my progress and plan for the upcoming weeks.”
In addition to his right thigh injury, Alcaraz also revealed concerns about his left hamstring. His performance this year has been a mix of highs and lows, with early exits in Miami followed by a victory at the Monte Carlo Masters in April.
Reflecting on his recent challenges, Alcaraz shared, “Transitioning from hard court to clay court is demanding, especially with the tight schedule and consecutive matches. As athletes, we often face tough decisions.”
Despite his injury, Alcaraz showcased an impressive performance in Barcelona, winning all his matches in straight sets until the final, where he fell to Holger Rune after requiring a medical timeout for his thigh issue.
