World number three Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Italian Open due to a persistent arm injury, the Spaniard announced on May 3. The 20-year-old had been struggling with the problem since a practice session in Monaco and was forced to miss the Madrid Open as a result.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal from Rome is a major blow to his hopes of winning three straight Madrid Open titles. He had successfully defended his Indian Wells title in March and reached the Miami Open quarter-finals before the injury struck.
The Spaniard’s absence from the Italian Open opens the door for other players to challenge for the title. Defending champion Novak Djokovic is the top seed, while Rafael Nadal, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas are also among the favorites.
Alcaraz’s injury is a reminder of the physical demands of the tennis season. The Spaniard has played a grueling schedule in recent months, and his body is now paying the price. It remains to be seen how long Alcaraz will be out of action, but he is expected to miss at least the next few weeks.
The Italian Open is an Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour Masters 1000 event, and it is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the clay-court calendar. The tournament is held in Rome, Italy, and it attracts the world’s best players.
Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the Italian Open is a disappointment for fans, but it is also a reminder of the importance of player health. The Spaniard is still young, and he has a long career ahead of him. It is important for him to take the time to recover from his injury and come back stronger than ever.