Carlos Alcaraz was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Masters on Thursday with a pair of existing injuries sealing the fate of Spain’s top player.
The world No. 3 was treated in last weekend’s losing Barcelona final to Holger Rune for an adductor problem and revealed he has also been struggling with a hamstring complaint.
The winner on the home clay in 2022 and 2023 was forced to abandon his dream of a possible hat-trick and concentrate on healing – hopefully in time for the Rome Masters which begins the first week of May.
“You all saw that the physio came in to treat my right adductor muscle in the Barcelona final, but I also noticed something else in my left hamstring,” he said.
“On Tuesday I had some tests, I was waiting and assessing with the doctors to see if I was going to be able to arrive in good condition to play in Madrid.”
But he added: ““I’ve done everything possible, but things haven’t improved much these past few days. You have to listen to your body.
“If I played, I would still be in trouble for longer than expected. You have to listen to your body and make difficult decisions. I made the right decision. I’ll try to rest and be back on the court as soon as possible.”
With a Roland Garros title defence starting in a month, Alcaraz has minimal time to heal.
“It was really difficult to decide and (not play). Tennis is really a demanding sport. Playing week after week, so many matches in a row, and you have to heal your body and take difficult decisions.”
Alcaraz said he and his team are pointing now towards Rome.
“My plan is to to Rome. My mindset is to do everything it takes to be a hundred percent for Rome.
“I will do some tests at the beginning of next week just to see how it’s improved, and from that let’s see how it’s going to be the next days.
“My hope is to play in Rome. If not, I mean, next tournament is Roland Garros for me. So I will try to be on court as soon as possible.”
Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz playing Madrid Masters in 2024 – by ISF Ltd
