The Madrid Open 2025 began on 23 April, and Carlos Alcaraz, the hometown hero and the two-time Madrid Open champion, was highly anticipated due to his massive fan following. However, his presence was uncertain since the beginning due to a leg injury he sustained during the finals of the Barcelona Open.
Alcaraz was scheduled to start his campaign in the second round on 25 April, however, he announced his withdrawal from the event just a day before due to injury concerns. The 21-year-old has suffered an adductor injury during the finals at the Barcelona Open against Holger Rune. Despite hoping to recover in time for the Madrid Open 2025, his injury to his left leg has forced him to prioritise his health.
Carlos Alcaraz Opens Up On His Decision
Carlos Alcaraz expressed his disappointment in missing the Madrid Open 2025 and said, “Madrid is one of the special tournaments for me, it’s a tournament that I enjoy, I get to play in front of my fans, it’s one of the first tournaments I attended when I was a kid. These types of decisions are not easy to make, but sometimes you have to think about your health and what is important. A Grand Slam is a Grand Slam. If I play here, I could make the injuries worse and stop for several months, and that’s not worth it.”
He also went on to describe tennis as a really “demanding sport,” highlighting the physical toll of playing week after week. He said, “Tennis is really a demanding sport. Playing week after week, so many matches in a row, and you have to heal your body sometimes and take difficult decisions. The schedule is really tight, really difficult tournaments week after week, and sometimes you have to think about yourself sometimes, and make the right decisions as to your health.”
Will This Withdrawal Affect His ATP Ranking?
The withdrawal will have a noticeable impact on his ATP ranking points. He currently holds the World Number 3 position, and although he would remain the same after the end of the Madrid Open 2025 despite his absence, he lost a good opportunity to close the gap to World Number 1 Jannik Sinner, who will be back from the next tournament after serving his doping ban.
What’s Next For Carlos Alcaraz?
Looking ahead, Carlos Alcaraz has made it clear that his priority is recovery and preparation for the upcoming clay season. He looks forward to the French Open, where he stands as the defending champion. He said, “I’m not really worried about it,” Alcaraz said. “I believe it’s going to take one week, one week and a half, two weeks maximum, but I won’t have doubts about coming back and moving 100% again.”
My mindset is to do everything it takes to be a hundred per cent for Rome. I will do some tests at the beginning of next week just to see how it’s improved, and from that, let’s see how it’s going to be the next days,” he said. “My hope is to play in Rome. If not, next tournament is Roland Garros for me. So I will try to be on court as soon as possible.” he added
The French Open begins on 25 May 2025, and Alcaraz is all set to return to the prestigious grand slam to extend his winning streak.
Also Read: How Much Tennis Players Win At Stuttgart Open 2025?
