The Mutua Madrid Open faced a major setback with the announcement that Carlos Alcaraz would not be participating in this year’s tournament. The young Spanish star had initially been optimistic about recovering in time, but recent medical tests recommended caution—especially with Roland Garros just a month away.
Alcaraz, a two-time champion in Madrid, had a packed schedule leading into the event. After claiming the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 title, he had little time to rest before jumping into the Barcelona ATP 500, playing 10 matches in just 12 days. The strain appeared to catch up with him during the final against Holger Rune in Catalonia.
Feliciano Lopez Weighs In
Tournament director Feliciano Lopez shared his thoughts on Alcaraz’s decision during an interview on El Partidazo de COPE. He emphasized the importance of strategic scheduling for top-level players:
“When you reach the top, managing your calendar becomes crucial. You have to avoid overloading yourself to prevent injuries that can derail your season,” Lopez said.
“I’m not saying the injury was caused solely by playing both Monte Carlo and Barcelona, but it certainly played a role.”
Alcaraz, who has quickly become a fan favorite in Spain, expressed his regret over the withdrawal and apologized to supporters. He also promised to return to Madrid in 2026. The tournament has proven to be a strong venue for the 21-year-old, who lifted the trophy in both 2022 and 2023. His 2022 run, in particular, was memorable as he defeated Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Alexander Zverev in succession.
Looking Ahead to Roland Garros
For now, fans are hoping the injury doesn’t interfere with Alcaraz’s preparations for the upcoming French Open in Paris. During a recent press conference, the former world No.1 revealed that he still hopes to compete at the Rome Masters 1000 before Roland Garros.
With his powerful game and clay-court prowess, Alcaraz remains one of the top contenders for the title in Paris—if his health allows him to compete.