Carlos Alcaraz explains decision to withdraw from Madrid Open with official statement

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Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Madrid Open after picking up a wrist injury.

The issue first cropped up in Monte-Carlo, and he’s already missed the Barcelona Open, where he was a finalist last year.

This latest withdrawal means Alcaraz will miss another chance to gain ground on Jannik Sinner in the rankings, sitting out the second clay-court ATP Masters 1000 event of the season.

With speculation already swirling about whether he’d play in Madrid, the 22-year-old confirmed his absence via social media.

Carlos Alcaraz confirms he won’t play in the Madrid Open due to injury

Taking to social media, Alcaraz posted: “There are some news that are incredibly hard to share.

“Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that’s why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row.

“It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that means so much. Thank you for the unwavering affection, and I hope we see each other soon.”

Last year’s adductor injury also kept him out of Madrid. That issue stemmed from his Barcelona Open final loss against Holger Rune.

This time around, Alcaraz isn’t alone among big names pulling out. Novak Djokovic also confirmed on Friday that he’ll miss the tournament due to physical issues.

Carlos Alcaraz’s last chance to prepare for Roland Garros

The question now is whether Alcaraz will be ready for Roland Garros. He has already won back-to-back titles there and would arrive as defending champion again if fit.

If he does get healthy before then, his only chance for match practice would come at the Italian Open. That event serves as the final tune-up before Paris, and it’s one where he had success last season, defeating Sinner in the championship match.

Alcaraz is set to protect a total of 3000 points throughout the Italian Open and Roland Garros. If Sinner goes on to win both tournaments while Alcaraz stays sidelined through injury, this could cause him to drop even further down the world rankings table.