Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have both announced that they will not take part in the Mutua Madrid Open because of physical problems. The Spanish prodigy, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, is still nursing a wrist injury, while the Serbian legend continues to battle a persistent shoulder issue that has kept him off the court for several weeks.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal came after he had already received medical treatment during his first‑round win over Finland's Otto Virtanen at the Barcelona Open. Following that victory, the Spaniard was slated to face Tomas Machac in his next match, but he chose to pull out before the encounter could take place. In a heartfelt post on social media, Alcaraz explained how painful it was to miss the tournament that feels like home to him.
"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," he wrote. He added that the absence was especially hard because he would have been playing in front of his own supporters at an event that holds great personal significance. He thanked fans for their unwavering affection and expressed hope that they would see each other soon.
Alcaraz’s decision to sit out means that the field in Madrid opens up considerably. With the Spaniard out, Italian star Jannik Sinner is now the overwhelming favorite to claim the top seed at the upcoming French Open and is likely to retain the world No.
1 ranking through Wimbledon, assuming he continues his strong form. Novak Djokovic also confirmed via Instagram that he will not be competing in Madrid. The 38‑year‑old Serbian has been dealing with a right‑shoulder injury that forced him to withdraw from the Miami Open and skip the Monte‑Carlo Masters.
After a loss to Alcaraz in the Australian Open final and an early exit at Indian Wells, Djokovic’s schedule has been disrupted by the lingering shoulder problem. In his Instagram statement, he wrote, "Madrid, unfortunately I won't be able to compete this year. I'm continuing my recovery in order to be back soon." The Serbian hopes to be fit for the French Open, where he will be chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title when the tournament begins on May 24. The injury list for Madrid extends beyond the two headline names.
American Taylor Fritz, Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, and Britain’s Jacob Fearnley have also withdrawn, leaving the draw to be finalized on Monday. British youngster Jack Draper, who suffered a knee injury that forced him to retire from his opening match in Barcelona, is also racing against time to be ready for the Spanish capital’s event. Meanwhile, the Barcelona Open provided a bright spot for Spanish tennis. Rafael Jodar secured his second straight victory over Cameron Norrie in the quarter‑finals, cruising past the Briton 6‑3, 6‑2 and extending his winning streak to eight matches.
Jodar, only 19, joined an elite group of Spanish teenagers who have reached the Barcelona semi‑finals in the Open Era, a list that includes Alex Corretja (1994), Carlos Moya (1996), Rafael Nadal (2005, 2006) and Carlos Alcaraz (2022, 2023). He now faces ninth‑seed Arthur Fils, who upset second‑seed Lorenzo Musetti to reach the semis, in a match that could see Jodar contest his second tour‑level final. On the women’s side, British player Katie Boulter was eliminated in the quarter‑finals of the tournament in Rouen, losing to Veronika Podrez 6‑4, 6‑1. The withdrawals have prompted broadcasters to highlight their coverage options.
Sky Sports will continue to air live tennis across its channels, and subscribers can also stream matches through the NOW platform and the Sky Sports app, which promises more than 50 percent additional live sport at no extra charge for customers. Fans are encouraged to use Chrome for the best video player experience. Overall, the Madrid Open will proceed without two of its biggest stars, but the reshuffled field offers opportunities for emerging talents to make deep runs and for established players to secure valuable ranking points ahead of the clay‑court season’s marquee events, particularly Roland Garros.
The tournament still promises high‑quality tennis, with a mix of seasoned champions and hungry youngsters eager to seize the moment in one of the sport’s most prestigious stops on the ATP and WTA calendars.