The Madrid Open has been dealt a major blow with the withdrawals of two of tennis's biggest stars, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, due to injury. Their absences raise significant questions about their readiness for the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros.
Carlos Alcaraz, the world number two and defending French Open champion, is sidelined with a persistent wrist injury. The 22-year-old Spaniard was also forced to withdraw from the Barcelona Open earlier this week.
"Madrid is home, one of the most special places on the calendar for me, and that's why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row," Alcaraz stated in a social media post. "It hurts especially not to be able to be in front of my fans."
Alcaraz is now in a race against time to recover for his title defense in Paris, where he aims for a historic third consecutive victory. The French Open begins on May 18th.
Meanwhile, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic continues his recovery from a shoulder injury. The 38-year-old Serbian has not competed since his loss at Indian Wells in March and also skipped the Miami and Monte Carlo Masters.
"Madrid, unfortunately I won't be able to compete this year. I'm continuing my recovery in order to be back soon," Djokovic confirmed.
The injury concerns extend beyond these two titans. Britain's Jack Draper, who defeated Djokovic at Indian Wells, also retired from his match in Barcelona this week with a knee issue, adding his name to the growing list of players battling fitness ahead of the clay-court Grand Slam.
With the Madrid Open set to begin on April 21st, the tournament will proceed without two of its biggest draws, casting a shadow over the final major tune-up event before the French Open.