Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have both withdrawn from the Mutua Madrid Open due to ongoing injury issues. Alcaraz, currently ranked second in the world, is still recovering from a wrist injury, while Djokovic continues to deal with a persistent shoulder problem that has hindered his return to competition. The withdrawal is particularly disappointing for Alcaraz, as the Madrid Open is a significant tournament in his home country, scheduled to start on April 21 and broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis.
In a social media post, Alcaraz expressed his sadness, stating, "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." With Alcaraz's withdrawal, Jannik Sinner is likely to become the top seed at the French Open and potentially hold the world No 1 spot until the end of Wimbledon. Novak Djokovic, a 38-year-old Serbian tennis star, has also announced his withdrawal from the Madrid Open as he continues to recover from his injury. Djokovic, a three-time champion, posted on Instagram, "Madrid, unfortunately I won't be able to compete this year.
I'm continuing my recovery in order to be back soon." Other players, including Taylor Fritz, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and Britain's Jacob Fearnley, have also withdrawn from the tournament. The draw for the Madrid Open is set to take place on Monday.
Djokovic is aiming for a record 25th Grand Slam title when the French Open begins on May 24. Meanwhile, Rafael Jodar has extended his winning streak to eight matches after defeating Cameron Norrie in the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open. The 19-year-old Spaniard will face ninth seed Arthur Fils in the semi-finals, seeking to reach his second tour-level final.