Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old tennis sensation, has reassured fans that a recent injury concern is merely a minor setback, describing it as “just a small warning from my body.” The world number three faced a disappointing defeat in the Barcelona Open final on April 20, 2025, losing in straight sets to Denmark’s Holger Rune. During the match, Alcaraz required a medical timeout, sparking worries about his physical condition ahead of the crucial Madrid Masters. However, the Spaniard remains optimistic, emphasizing that his latest ailment—a discomfort in his psoas muscle—will not derail his plans to compete in his home tournament.
The Barcelona Open final saw Alcaraz, a two-time Grand Slam champion, struggle after a dominant first set. Leading 2-1 in the second, he called for a medical timeout to address an issue in his right leg, later identified as a problem in the psoas muscle, a key core muscle that supports lower back and hip movement. Despite returning with heavy strapping, Alcaraz’s movement appeared hampered, and he failed to win another game, allowing Rune to claim his first title since April 2023. “The slightest discomfort is an alarm signal,” Alcaraz said post-match, acknowledging the need for caution but downplaying the severity. “After two weeks with 10 matches in 12 days, including travel without much time for recovery, I believe it’s normal to feel something.”
Alcaraz’s injury history has been a recurring concern despite his meteoric rise. Since bursting onto the scene with a US Open title in 2022 at age 19, he has battled a string of physical setbacks, including an abdominal tear, hamstring strain, ankle injuries, and a persistent forearm issue that forced him to miss Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome in 2024. His aggressive, all-out playing style—characterized by relentless pursuit of every ball—has been both his greatest asset and a potential liability. “I know my body and my physical abilities,” Alcaraz has previously stated, defending his high-intensity approach while admitting that “discomfort is coming out that needs to be controlled.” His latest comments reflect a maturing perspective, balancing his competitive fire with a growing awareness of the need for rest.
Following the Barcelona loss, Alcaraz underwent medical tests to assess the psoas issue, with results expected to determine his participation in the Madrid Masters, set to begin on April 24, 2025. The tournament holds special significance for Alcaraz, who won it in 2022 and 2023, and he remains determined to compete in front of his home crowd. “I’m fine; honestly, nothing out of the ordinary,” he told reporters, projecting confidence despite the tight turnaround. His team is prioritizing recovery, with Alcaraz noting that the few days before his first Madrid match—likely on Friday or Saturday—provide valuable time to heal.
The defeat to Rune, coupled with Alexander Zverev’s simultaneous title win in Munich, saw Alcaraz slip to world number three, with Zverev overtaking him at number two. With top-ranked Jannik Sinner sidelined by a doping ban until his return at the Italian Open, the Madrid Masters represents a critical opportunity for Alcaraz to close the gap and bolster his ranking. Yet, he remains unfazed by the pressure, drawing on his proven resilience. “You can overcome all the problems that you have,” Alcaraz said after his 2024 Indian Wells triumph, a mantra that continues to guide him.
As Alcaraz prepares for Madrid, the tennis world watches closely. His ability to manage his physical demands while maintaining his electrifying style will be key to his longevity. For now, the young Spaniard is focused on heeding his body’s warning without losing sight of his ambitions, ready to light up the clay courts once more.