Madrid Open Watch: Alcaraz Injury Casts Shadow

Carlos Alcaraz’s participation in the Madrid Open 2025 hangs in the balance as he awaits the results of medical tests to determine the extent of an injury sustained during the Barcelona Open final. The situation has fans and organizers on edge as one of the tournament’s top draws faces a race against time to recover.

Injury Woes in Barcelona

The 21-year-old Spaniard experienced discomfort in his upper right leg during his straight-set loss to Holger Rune in the Barcelona Open final on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Alcaraz required a medical timeout in the second set, which seemed to disrupt his momentum, ultimately leading to his defeat.

Following the match, Alcaraz clarified that the problem was in his psoas muscle, a long, ribbon-shaped muscle found in the lower back. He also mentioned feeling something in the adductor muscles of his leg, which are located on the inner thigh.

Uncertainty for Madrid

Alcaraz has expressed his desire to compete in the Madrid Open, a tournament where he has enjoyed success in the past, winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. However, he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding his participation and is awaiting the results of medical tests to make a final decision.

“I feel fine physically,” Alcaraz said on Tuesday, April 22. “I’ve had tests, and we’ll see what the results say. I’m used to playing with discomfort, so let’s hope I can play and enjoy Madrid.”

Despite the discomfort, Alcaraz remains optimistic and confident that the injury is not serious. He has already worked with a physiotherapist and reported positive progress.

Tournament Impact

Alcaraz’s potential absence from the Madrid Open would be a significant blow to the tournament. As the second seed, he was expected to be a strong contender for the title and a major attraction for fans. His absence would also impact the tournament’s draw, potentially altering the path for other top players like Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev.

Nineteen of the top 20 men’s players are scheduled to compete in Madrid, making it one of the most prestigious clay-court tournaments leading up to the French Open.

Other Players to Watch

• Novak Djokovic: The three-time Madrid Open champion is returning to the tournament for the first time since 2022.
• Alexander Zverev: The top seed in Madrid, Zverev recently regained the world No. 2 ranking after winning the title in Munich.
• Andrey Rublev: The defending champion will look to repeat his success from last year.
• Holger Rune: Fresh off his victory in Barcelona, Rune is in top form and could be a dangerous opponent in Madrid.
• Iga Swiatek & Aryna Sabalenka: All eyes will be on the rivalry between the world’s best women players.

Injury Concerns

The Madrid Open is taking place from April 22 to May 4, 2025. The draw was made on Monday, April 21. Main draw matches begin on Wednesday, April 23.

Alcaraz has received a first-round bye and is scheduled to play his opening match later in the week. The draw has placed him in the same half as three-time champion Novak Djokovic, setting up a potential blockbuster clash later in the tournament.

British Contingent

The Madrid Open will feature a strong British contingent, including Jack Draper, Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, and Sonay Kartal. Novak Djokovic will be playing under the watchful eye of coach Andy Murray. Jacob Fearnley made it through qualifying to reach the main draw. Cameron Norrie will face Martin Landaluce in the first round.

What’s Next for Alcaraz?

Alcaraz will undergo further tests to determine the extent of his injury and his ability to compete in Madrid. A decision on his participation is expected soon. If he is forced to withdraw, his focus will likely shift to recovering in time for the Rome Masters and the French Open.

For now, the tennis world awaits anxiously to learn whether Carlos Alcaraz will be able to showcase his talent on the red clay of Madrid.