Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have both withdrawn from the Madrid Open due to ongoing injury issues. Alcaraz, ranked second in the world, is still recovering from a wrist injury, while Djokovic continues to deal with a shoulder problem.
The news comes after Alcaraz was forced to withdraw from the Barcelona tournament following a first-round win. In a social media post, Alcaraz expressed his disappointment, stating that Madrid is one of the most significant events on his calendar and that not being able to participate is particularly painful. Djokovic also announced his withdrawal on social media, citing the need to continue his recovery in order to return to competition soon.
The absence of Alcaraz and Djokovic has significant implications for the tournament, with Jannik Sinner likely to become the top seed at the French Open. Other players, including Taylor Fritz, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and Britain's Jacob Fearnley, have also withdrawn from the Madrid Open. Meanwhile, Rafael Jodar has been making waves in the Barcelona Open, earning his second consecutive win against Cameron Norrie and extending his winning streak to eight matches.