Alcaraz’s Madrid Open Heartbreak: A Last-Minute Call

Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time Madrid Open champion, has officially withdrawn from the 2025 tournament due to ongoing leg issues. The decision, announced on Thursday, April 24, 2025, came after much deliberation and left fans heartbroken as the home favorite will miss his chance to compete in front of his passionate local crowd.

Injury Woes Force Alcaraz’s Withdrawal

Alcaraz’s withdrawal stems from injuries sustained during the Barcelona Open final against Holger Rune. He suffered an adductor injury to his right leg during the match and later confirmed a left hamstring injury. The world No. 3 revealed that he hadn’t fully recovered from the Barcelona Open final ailment.

During a press conference, Alcaraz explained that he felt pain in his right adductor during the Barcelona final and also noticed something in his left hip. Medical tests were conducted on Tuesday, and he consulted with his team and doctors to assess the possibility of playing without risking further injury.

A Difficult Decision

Alcaraz admitted that it was a challenging decision to withdraw from the Madrid Open, a tournament he cherishes. He expressed his disappointment at not being able to play in front of his home crowd, family, and friends, recognizing Madrid as a special place for him.

Despite his desire to compete, Alcaraz acknowledged the demanding nature of professional tennis, which requires players to prioritize their health and make difficult choices. He emphasized the importance of listening to his body and avoiding risks that could jeopardize his long-term fitness.

Hopeful for Rome and Roland Garros

Alcaraz remains optimistic about returning to the court soon. He aims to recover in time for the Rome Masters, scheduled to begin on May 7. He plans to undergo further tests to monitor his progress and determine his readiness for the tournament.

Regardless of his participation in Rome, Alcaraz has assured fans that he will be ready for the French Open, where he is the defending champion. He exudes confidence in his ability to recover and compete at the highest level in Paris.

Alcaraz’s Perspective

Alcaraz expressed that he is less concerned about this injury compared to a previous forearm injury that affected his performance in Madrid in 2024. He feels he knows how to handle this injury and is confident he will come back stronger.

He emphasized his high confidence level, noting that the past two weeks have been good for him. He believes he has the mental strength to play good tennis again and is not worried about potentially missing tournaments before Roland Garros.

Madrid Open Misses Star Power

Alcaraz’s absence from the Madrid Open is a significant blow to the tournament. As a two-time champion and a crowd favorite, he was expected to be a top contender for the title. His withdrawal, coupled with Jannik Sinner’s absence, means that the Madrid Open will miss two of the sport’s brightest stars.

Looking Ahead

While the Madrid Open will proceed without Alcaraz, his focus remains on recovery and preparation for the upcoming tournaments. He is determined to overcome his injuries and return to the court as soon as possible, with his sights set on the Rome Masters and the French Open.

In summary, Carlos Alcaraz did delay his decision to pull out of the Madrid Open, hoping to recover in time, but ultimately had to withdraw due to hamstring and groin injuries sustained during the Barcelona Open final.