Djokovic and Alcaraz Pull Out of Madrid Open as Injuries Take Toll/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz withdraw from Madrid Open. Injuries continue to impact top tennis stars ahead of clay season. Focus shifts to Italian Open and French Open returns.
Madrid Open Withdrawals Quick Looks
- Djokovic and Alcaraz pull out of Madrid Open
- Wrist and shoulder injuries cited as reasons
- Tournament loses two major star attractions
- Alcaraz misses Madrid for second straight year
- Djokovic continues recovery from shoulder issue
- Both players eye return at upcoming major events
Deep Look
Madrid Open Loses Star Power Before Tournament Start
The Madrid Open will begin without two of its biggest names, as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have both withdrawn from the prestigious clay-court tournament due to injuries.
Alcaraz, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, confirmed Friday that he would miss the event, marking his second consecutive absence from the Madrid Open. Djokovic, ranked No. 4, is also sidelined as he continues to recover from a lingering shoulder injury.
Djokovic Continues Recovery From Shoulder Issue
Djokovic has not competed since the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and has been managing a right shoulder injury that has disrupted his schedule.
He previously withdrew from the Miami Open and skipped the Monte Carlo Masters as part of his recovery process.
Announcing his decision on social media, Djokovic wrote: “Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete at the Madrid Open this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!”
The Serbian star is a three-time Madrid Open champion, making his absence a significant blow to the tournament.
Alcaraz Sidelined by Wrist Injury
Alcaraz’s withdrawal follows ongoing concerns about his right wrist. The Spanish star had already pulled out of the Barcelona Open earlier in the week after undergoing medical tests.
He experienced discomfort during his opening match in Barcelona, where he required treatment from a trainer during a straight-sets victory over Otto Virtanen.
Speaking about his decision, Alcaraz expressed disappointment.
“It hurts” to miss the Madrid Open again, he said, underscoring the emotional toll of sitting out a major home tournament.
Tournament Responds to Star Withdrawals
Organizers of the Madrid Open acknowledged the absence of both players, expressing hope for their quick return to competition.
“We hope to see you back here as soon as possible so we can enjoy your tennis as we have done so many times in the Caja Mágica,” the tournament said in a statement.
Focus Shifts to Upcoming Clay Court Events
Despite the setbacks, both Alcaraz and Djokovic are expected to target upcoming tournaments as they prepare for the remainder of the clay-court season.
Their next potential appearances include the Italian Open and the French Open, two key events leading up to the summer.
Alcaraz enters the season as the defending champion at both tournaments, adding further anticipation around his recovery timeline.
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