World number three Carlos Alcaraz has raised doubts about his participation in the upcoming Madrid Open later this month due to a right arm injury, which has forced him to miss crucial tune-up events leading to the French Open.
The 20-year-old Spaniard, who recently defended his Indian Wells title and reached the quarter-finals of the Miami Open, sustained the injury during a practice session for the Monte Carlo Masters. Consequently, he was unable to compete in Monte Carlo and subsequently had to withdraw from the Barcelona Open.
In a recent statement to reporters in Barcelona, Alcaraz expressed his concerns about his fitness, stating, “My feeling isn’t right, but it is what it is. Now I’m fully focused on recovery and I have a little more time.” Despite his intention to participate in the Madrid Open, Alcaraz acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his return to competitive tennis.
While Alcaraz remains hopeful of his recovery, his ability to defend his title at the Madrid Open remains uncertain. If he is unable to compete in Madrid, Alcaraz may seek claycourt action in Rome the following week as he prepares for the French Open, where he reached the semi-finals last year.
The main draw for the French Open commences on May 26th, adding further pressure on Alcaraz to recover in time for the prestigious Grand Slam event.
