Carlos Alcaraz sent a heartfelt message to fans following his withdrawal from the Madrid Open.
The 21-year-old was due to compete in the Spanish capital to try and win the Masters 1000 title for the third time.
The home fans were keen to see their compatriot take to the court, but that is no longer the case.
On Thursday, the rumours were confirmed in a press conference where Alcaraz officially announced that will not be able to compete.
What did Carlos Alcaraz say to fans following his Madrid Open withdrawal?
Carlos Alcaraz is no longer able to play at the Madrid Open due to injury.
The World number two did some damage to his hamstring and groin in the second set of Sunday’s Barcelona Open final.
He was able to finish that match, but now the Spaniard will have to watch his home tournament from the sidelines. He has since taken to Instagram to apologise for not being able to play in Madrid.
“Hi everyone, I just wanted to say that it’s a real shame for me not to be able to play here in Madrid,” Alcaraz said. “The support I get here is incredible—truly indescribable.
“All the people who come to the tournament, the locals from Madrid, and those who travel from afar to cheer me on.
“I’m deeply grateful—it’s a unique kind of energy. I look forward all year to coming here to Madrid and playing in front of you, to making you enjoy my tennis, but this year it wasn’t possible.
“Still, I wanted to take this moment to thank you for the support, for the encouragement—just know that I hear you, I read so many of your messages, and we’ll come back stronger. I’ll be back here in Madrid very soon. Sending you all a big hug.”
How will Carlos Alcaraz be out of action?
Alcaraz underwent an MRI scan which confirmed he had suffered an injury which ruled him out of the Madrid Open.
During his press conference, Alcaraz shared how long he thinks he will be out of action.
“I believe it’s going to take one week, one week and a half, two weeks maximum,” the four-time Grand Slam champion said.
“My hope is to play in Rome. If not, the next tournament is Roland Garros for me. I will try to be back on court as soon as possible.”
Should Alcaraz make his return in Rome, it will mark the same tournament where Jannik Sinner will return to action following his three-month doping suspension.
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