Carlos Alcaraz, Spain’s tennis prodigy and the World No. 3, faces a heart-wrenching setback as the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open looms. The two-time champion, whose electrifying performances have lit up the Caja Mágica, is reportedly “very unlikely” to compete in this year’s tournament due to a persistent adductor muscle injury sustained during the Barcelona Open final. The 21-year-old’s absence would be a devastating blow to fans and the ATP Masters 1000 event, where he’s a hometown hero. “I’ve struggled to keep going and maintain a good level,” Alcaraz admitted after his Barcelona loss, revealing the physical toll that now threatens his clay-court campaign.
The injury struck during a grueling battle against Holger Rune in Barcelona, where Alcaraz pushed his limits despite visible discomfort. After a thrilling first-set tiebreak, he called for a medical timeout at 2-1 in the second set, clutching his right leg. “At the start of the second set, everything was very intense, and I felt the adductor muscle in my right leg was very tight,” he said post-match. Rune seized the moment, securing a 7-6(8-6), 6-2 victory for his first ATP 500 title. Alcaraz’s reduced mobility and pained expressions sparked immediate concern, with medical experts warning that adductor strains, critical for lateral movement, can sideline players for weeks if not managed carefully. “I feel fine physically,” he insisted on Tuesday, but added, “I’ve had tests, and we’ll see what the results say. I’m used to playing with discomfort, so let’s hope I can play and enjoy Madrid.”
Recent reports paint a grimmer picture. After undergoing an MRI to assess the injury’s severity, Alcaraz and his team are leaning toward withdrawing from Madrid to safeguard his long-term health, particularly with the French Open, where he defends his 2024 title, just a month away. The decision follows a punishing schedule—Monte-Carlo’s intense week, a Barcelona final, and lingering effects from a 2024 forearm injury that forced him to skip those events last year. “It’s so demanding, and you have to give 100 percent every day,” Alcaraz reflected, marveling at Rafael Nadal’s ability to conquer both tournaments back-to-back. His hope for “two days off” to recover has given way to a more cautious approach, with insiders suggesting he’s prioritizing Roland Garros over risking further damage at home.
Madrid holds a special place in Alcaraz’s heart. His 2022 and 2023 titles, including a 2022 upset over Nadal and Novak Djokovic, cemented his status as Spain’s next tennis icon. As the No. 2 seed, he was set to face Zizou Bergs or Yoshihito Nishioka in the second round, with a potential Djokovic semifinal looming. Missing the event would cost him 1,000 ranking points, potentially dropping him below Alexander Zverev, who surged to No. 2 after winning Munich. “If you believe in yourself, you have a really good team around, you work hard, everything can turn around,” Alcaraz said after his 2024 Indian Wells triumph, a mantra now tested by this setback.
The tennis world feels the weight of his likely absence. Fans on social media express heartbreak, with some lamenting, “No Carlitos in Madrid is a travesty,” while others urge rest for a stronger French Open. Tennis legend Alex Corretja warned that rushing back could jeopardize his season, noting the adductor’s role in Alcaraz’s explosive game. His 2025 season, marked by a Rotterdam ATP 500 title but also early exits in Miami and Barcelona, has been a rollercoaster. With Jannik Sinner’s return and Zverev’s resurgence, the race for World No. 1 is intensifying, making Alcaraz’s health critical.
Alcaraz’s resilience—four Grand Slams by 21, a feat Djokovic called “unprecedented”—has defined his rise. His dazzling forehands and fearless drop shots make him a Madrid favorite, but this moment demands pragmatism. “I’ll talk with my team, we’ll do some tests,” he said in Barcelona, clinging to hope. As the Caja Mágica prepares for a star-studded field, the absence of its brightest local star looms large, leaving fans to wonder if Alcaraz’s next chapter will be one of recovery or redemption on the clay courts of Paris.