Top-ranked tennis players Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have withdrawn from the Mutua Madrid Open due to injuries. Alcaraz, currently ranked second globally, is still recovering from a wrist injury, while Djokovic is dealing with a lingering shoulder issue.
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 his home country is particularly difficult for him.
Meanwhile, Djokovic announced his withdrawal on Instagram, citing his ongoing recovery and hope to return to competition soon. Other players, including Taylor Fritz and Britain's Jacob Fearnley, have also pulled out of the tournament.
The withdrawal of Alcaraz and Djokovic has significant implications for the tennis rankings, with Jannik Sinner likely to become the top seed at the French Open. The Madrid Open draw is scheduled for Monday, and the tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Tennis.