Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic withdraw from Madrid Open citing injuries

Bad news for fans of Spanish tennis: home favorite Carlos Alcaraz and 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic have both announced they will miss the upcoming Mutua Madrid Open.

For Alcaraz, it marks the second year in a row he has been unable to compete at the ATP Masters 1000 event in his home country. He missed last year’s edition due to a right leg injury.

Read More: Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Barcelona, Jannik Sinner keeps No. 1 ranking heading into Madrid

The 22-year-old, who also withdrew from the Barcelona Open on Wednesday citing a right wrist injury, took to social media to share a message with fans:

“Some news is incredibly hard to share. Madrid is home, one of the most special places on the calendar to me, and that’s why it hurts so much not being able to play here for the second year in a row,” Alcaraz wrote on Friday.

“It especially hurts not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that means so much. Thanks for your love always and I hope to see you all soon.”

Alcaraz had made a strong start to the clay-court swing reaching the final in Monte Carlo last week, but there he fell to rival Jannik Sinner—a defeat that cost him the ATP world No. 1 ranking.

The Spaniard then traveled to Barcelona, where he told press, “This week is one where I should take a break, but Barcelona is a very special place for me.” He withdrew from the event after winning his opening match. He is next scheduled to compete in Rome and at Roland Garros, where he is the defending champion at the French Open.

Earlier in the day, three-time Madrid champion Djokovic also took to social media to announce his withdrawal, marking the third time in four years he has missed the event (also in 2023 and 2024).

“I’m continuing my recovery in order to come back soon,” he wrote. “Hasta pronto! (See you soon!)”

Djokovic cited a right shoulder injury, the same issue that kept him out of Masters 1000 events in Miami and Monte Carlo. He is next scheduled to compete in Rome and at Roland Garros.