Alcaraz Injury Forces Madrid Open Withdrawal — But Eyes Still on Paris

Injured Alcaraz misses Madrid Open but stays hopeful for Roland Garros return

Carlos Alcaraz’s name will be missing from the Madrid Open draw this year, and for fans in Spain, that stings more than just a little. The 21-year-old phenom, two-time champion on home soil, has officially pulled out of the tournament due to an injury that has thrown a temporary wrench into his clay-court season. But while the absence of the injured Alcaraz is a headline nobody wanted to see, the Spaniard remains upbeat about his recovery—and his ambitions at the French Open are still very much alive.

Alcaraz confirmed the news after sustaining a hamstring and groin issue during the Barcelona Open final against Holger Rune on Sunday. Despite battling through the second set visibly hindered, the world number three ultimately fell 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 to the Dane. More importantly, he walked off court with more questions than answers about his short-term fitness.

“In a week or two I shall return to training, but I will take it step by step,” Alcaraz told reporters. “I couldn’t practice the entire week. I needed to listen to my body and make the right decision.”

Prioritising Health Over Hometown Glory

The Madrid Open holds a special place in Alcaraz’s heart. It was in the Spanish capital where he announced himself as a future Grand Slam contender with victories in 2022 and 2023. He dazzled the Caja Mágica crowd with his shot-making flair, court coverage, and coolness under pressure—traits that have quickly become his signature.

Yet despite the emotional pull of Madrid, Alcaraz made the mature call to sit this one out, understanding the bigger picture of a long, demanding clay season.

“I don’t want to get too far ahead but I hope I shall be ready for the French Open,” he said. “It’s one of those things—you want to play every match, every tournament, especially at home. But if I’m not 100 percent, it’s not worth the risk.”

It’s not the first time the injured Alcaraz has had to step away from the tour to manage his body. The Spaniard’s rapid rise to the top has come with a few physical setbacks along the way. But much like his idol Rafael Nadal, Alcaraz seems to be learning the art of pacing himself and knowing when to say no.

All Eyes on Paris—and Rome, Maybe

Injured Alcaraz pulls out of Madrid Open

While Madrid is now officially off the table, Alcaraz hasn’t closed the door on returning to competitive action before Roland Garros. The Italian Open in Rome, which begins on May 6, is still a possibility, though no guarantees have been made.

“I intend to travel to Rome,” Alcaraz said. “But I’ll listen to my body. I’m not going to force anything just to be there. If I don’t play Rome, or if I don’t play any tournaments before Roland Garros, I don’t care about it. I know my level. I know what I have to do to play good tennis.”

That last sentence says it all. For Alcaraz, it’s not about the quantity of matches—it’s about quality. And despite the injury, he’s still feeling confident in the tennis he’s played over the last month.

“The tennis that I’ve played in the past few weeks has been great,” he said. “Mentally I think I’m strong to play good tennis again, so this is not going to take my confidence away.”

It’s that kind of mindset that separates the good from the great. Injuries are an unfortunate reality in tennis, but Alcaraz appears to be handling this setback with both wisdom and perspective far beyond his years.

The Clay Campaign So Far

Prior to the injury, Alcaraz had looked sharp on the red dirt. He lifted the Monte Carlo Masters title in early April with a string of commanding wins, re-establishing himself as a serious threat ahead of Roland Garros. His mix of power, creativity, and athleticism makes him one of the most dangerous players on clay—a surface that rewards both physical endurance and tactical nuance.

In Barcelona, even while managing physical discomfort, he still reached the final. His performance there showed just how resilient and dangerous he can be, even when he’s not firing on all cylinders.

And don’t forget—this is a player who already has a French Open title to his name. In 2024, Alcaraz stormed through the Roland Garros field and lifted the trophy with a mature performance beyond his age. That experience, combined with his belief in his own game, gives him every reason to be optimistic—even as the injured Alcaraz takes a temporary pause.

Looking Ahead: A Summer of Big Moments

With the French Open set to begin on May 25, the countdown is officially on. Alcaraz now has roughly a month to get himself fully fit for what could be one of the most wide-open Grand Slams in recent memory. Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune will all be in the mix, but if Alcaraz can find form and fitness in time, few would bet against him in Paris.

And it won’t stop there. After Roland Garros, the tennis world quickly turns to Wimbledon and the Olympics—both events where Alcaraz will be expected to challenge for top honours. The stakes are high, but so is the potential.

In the meantime, Madrid will miss its champion, but fans will be hoping that the sacrifice pays off. The tennis world has seen enough of Alcaraz to know that even a few weeks away won’t dull his brilliance.

“I’m staying positive,” he said. “There’s still so much to look forward to.”

And for tennis fans everywhere, the return of a fully-fit Carlos Alcaraz can’t come soon enough.