Top-ranked tennis players Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have been forced to withdraw from the Mutua Madrid Open due to lingering injuries. Alcaraz, currently ranked second in the world, is still recovering from a wrist injury, while Djokovic is dealing with a persistent shoulder issue. The Spanish player was initially treated for his injury during a match in Barcelona and subsequently pulled out of the tournament.
He expressed his disappointment on social media, stating that missing the Madrid Open, which is set to begin on April 21, is particularly difficult for him as it is a significant event in his home country. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, also announced his withdrawal from the Madrid Open, citing his ongoing recovery.
Other players, including Taylor Fritz, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and Britain's Jacob Fearnley, have also pulled out of the tournament. The Madrid Open draw is scheduled for Monday.
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. The 19-year-old Spaniard will face ninth seed Arthur Fils in the semi-finals on Saturday.