In a surprising turn of events, Alejandro Tabilo, the Chilean tennis star who recently sent shockwaves through the tennis world by defeating Novak Djokovic at the Monte Carlo Masters, has withdrawn from the upcoming Madrid Open, scheduled from April 24 to May 5, 2025. The 27-year-old, who was poised to make his mark at the ATP Masters 1000 clay-court event, cited a left wrist injury as the reason for his absence, an ailment that also forced him to pull out of the BMW Open in Munich. Stepping into Tabilo’s spot in the Madrid draw is former World No. 7 Cameron Norrie, a British player eager to capitalize on the opportunity, with Germany’s Daniel Altmaier next in line as an alternate.
Tabilo’s withdrawal comes on the heels of his career-defining victory over Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, in the third round at Monte Carlo. The 6-2, 6-4 upset marked the biggest win of Tabilo’s career, showcasing his powerful left-handed groundstrokes and fearless approach against the World No. 1. “Beating Novak was a dream come true,” Tabilo had said post-match, his voice brimming with emotion. “I just tried to stay focused and play my game, and somehow it worked.” The victory propelled Tabilo, ranked No. 31, into the spotlight, raising expectations for his clay-court campaign. However, the wrist injury, which surfaced during his preparations for Munich, has derailed his momentum, forcing him to prioritize recovery ahead of the French Open.
The Madrid Open, a marquee event on the ATP Tour, is no stranger to high-profile withdrawals this year. Tabilo joins a list that includes former World No. 4 Caroline Garcia on the WTA side, signaling the physical toll of the grueling clay season. For Tabilo, the decision to skip Madrid was a tough but necessary one. “I’m disappointed to miss Madrid, but my health comes first,” he reportedly shared, underscoring his commitment to returning at full strength. His absence opens the door for Norrie, a 29-year-old Brit who reached the Top 10 in 2022 and has been working to regain his form after a dip in rankings. Norrie, known for his relentless baseline game, expressed gratitude for the chance, saying, “I’m excited to get back on the clay in Madrid and compete at this incredible event.”
Tabilo’s Monte Carlo heroics were not a one-off. The Chilean, born in Toronto and now based in Santiago, has been a rising force, with a career-high ranking of No. 21 in 2024 and a title at the Aix-en-Provence Challenger last year. His defeat of Djokovic, a three-time Madrid Open champion (2011, 2016, 2019), highlighted his ability to challenge the sport’s elite. In Monte Carlo, Tabilo’s 15 winners and strategic use of angles overwhelmed Djokovic, who admitted, “I wasn’t at my best, but credit to Alejandro for playing so well.” The win followed Tabilo’s strong showings earlier in 2025, including a semifinal run in Marrakech, where he fell to Matteo Berrettini.
Norrie, Tabilo’s replacement, brings his own narrative to Madrid. Once a mainstay in the Top 10, he has faced challenges in 2025, with a 7-6 win-loss record and early exits in several tournaments. However, his experience on clay, including a Rio Open title in 2023, makes him a dangerous floater in the draw. “Clay suits my game, and I’m ready to make the most of this chance,” Norrie said, signaling his intent to climb back toward the elite. Altmaier, the next alternate, also looms as a potential contender, having shown flashes of brilliance on clay with a deep run in Munich last year.
As the Madrid Open approaches, Tabilo’s withdrawal adds intrigue to an already unpredictable tournament. With Jannik Sinner stepping in as the top seed following other high-profile absences, the field remains wide open. For Tabilo, the focus shifts to rehabilitation, with hopes of returning for Rome or Roland Garros. His Djokovic upset will linger as a reminder of his potential, while Norrie’s entry promises fresh drama on the red clay of the Caja Mágica.