Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have both withdrawn from the Mutua Madrid Open due to ongoing injury issues. Alcaraz, ranked second in the world, is still recovering from a wrist injury, while Djokovic is dealing with a persistent shoulder problem. The Spanish player was forced to withdraw from the Barcelona tournament before his next match and will now miss the Madrid Open, which is set to begin on April 21. Alcaraz expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that not being able to play in front of his home crowd is particularly difficult for him.
With Alcaraz out, Jannik Sinner is likely to become the top seed at the French Open and may retain the number one spot until the end of Wimbledon. Novak Djokovic also announced his withdrawal from the Madrid Open, citing his ongoing recovery from a right shoulder injury that has kept him out of recent events in Miami and Monte Carlo. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, is aiming to return to competition soon and is looking forward to the French Open, which starts on May 24.
Other players, including Taylor Fritz, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and Britain's Jacob Fearnley, have also withdrawn from the tournament. Meanwhile, Rafael Jodar has extended his winning streak to eight matches with a straight-set victory over Cameron Norrie in the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open.