Carlos Alcaraz, world number three, has ruled out defending his Madrid Open title later this month. As he recovers from a right arm injury that has forced him to miss critical tune-up events for the French Open. The 20-year-old successfully defended his Indian Wells title last month and advanced to the Miami Open quarterfinals before suffering an injury during his first practice session for the Monte Carlo Masters.
The two-time Grand Slam champion was unable to play in Monaco and subsequently withdrew from the Barcelona Open. “My feeling isn’t right, but it is what it is. Now I’m fully focused on recovery and I have a little more time,” Alcaraz told reporters in Barcelona on Monday, a day after he decided not to defend his title. Also read: John McEnroe Net Worth 2024, Earnings, Annual Income, Endorsements, Cars, Properties, House, Charities and More
“My goal is to try and go to the Madrid Open, but at the moment nothing is certain. I was given specific recovery times and I’ve respected them, but I haven’t felt good and don’t want to get ahead of myself
“I can’t say I’ll be 100% in Madrid, but that’s my intention. We’ll train and do everything we can so that the feelings improve so I can play a match … It’s also a very special tournament for me.”
If he is unable to recover in time for the Masters tournament in Madrid on April 24-May 5, Alcaraz can still receive some clay court action before the French Open by competing in Rome the following week. The main draw for the year’s second Grand Slam, Roland Garros, begins on May 26. Alcaraz advanced to the semifinals last year. Also read: Quiet Aryna Sabalenka Cleans Ahead of Good Friend Paula Badosa in Miami Second Round