Carlos Alcaraz, the world’s top-ranked tennis player, has withdrawn from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome due to a muscle edema in his forearm. The injury is a consequence of the same issue that forced him to withdraw from the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters earlier this month.
Alcaraz had initially expressed optimism about playing in Rome after experiencing discomfort in his arm during his quarterfinal loss to Andrey Rublev at the Mutua Madrid Open. However, recent test results have prompted him to reconsider.
“I felt some pain after playing in Madrid, some discomfort in my arm,” Alcaraz wrote on social media. “Today I did some tests and I have a muscle edema in my pronator teres [the anterior forearm muscle], a consequence of my recent injury. Unfortunately I will not be able to play in Rome. I need to rest so I can recover and play 100% pain free. I am very sorry, I will see you next year.”
Alcaraz’s withdrawal from Rome is a significant blow to the tournament, which is one of the most prestigious clay-court events on the ATP Tour. The Spaniard was the defending champion in Madrid and had won 14 consecutive matches at the tournament before his loss to Rublev.
Alcaraz’s injury also raises concerns about his participation in the upcoming French Open, which begins on May 26. The Spaniard reached the semifinals at Roland Garros last year and is considered one of the favorites to win the title this year.
However, Alcaraz’s recent injury history suggests that he may not be at his best for the French Open. In addition to the muscle edema in his forearm, Alcaraz has also struggled with a foot injury this season.
The Spaniard’s withdrawal from Rome is a reminder of the physical challenges that tennis players face on the grueling clay-court season. The surface is known to be particularly demanding on the body, and injuries are common.
Alcaraz’s decision to withdraw from Rome is a wise one. It gives him time to rest and recover, and it increases his chances of being healthy for the French Open.
