The tennis world was dealt a stunning blow as Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time Madrid Open champion and one of Spain’s brightest sporting stars, announced his withdrawal from the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open. The 21-year-old, a fan favorite at the Caja Mágica, cited an adductor muscle injury sustained during the Barcelona Open final as the reason for his absence from the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event, which runs from April 21 to May 4. The news has left fans and organizers reeling, as Alcaraz’s electrifying presence was expected to light up the clay courts of his home country.
Alcaraz, who clinched the Madrid title in 2022 and 2023, had been gearing up to reclaim the crown after a quarterfinal exit to Andrey Rublev in 2024. His withdrawal comes on the heels of a grueling clay-court campaign, where he showcased his brilliance by winning the Monte-Carlo Masters and reaching the Barcelona Open final. However, during his straight-sets loss to Holger Rune in Barcelona, Alcaraz felt discomfort in his right adductor muscle, prompting a medical timeout in the second set. “When you notice a small discomfort, the alarms go off, and it’s a bit difficult to stay focused on playing,” he said in a post-match press conference, expressing cautious optimism about recovery. Despite undergoing tests and expressing hope to compete in Madrid, the injury proved too severe, forcing him to prioritize his health ahead of the French Open.
The young Spaniard’s absence is a significant setback for the tournament, where he was seeded second and set to face either Yoshihito Nishioka or Zizou Bergs in the second round. “I’ve been working hard to recover until the last minute, but it’s not possible, and I cannot play,” Alcaraz shared, echoing the disappointment he felt when withdrawing from Monte-Carlo in 2024 due to a forearm injury. His withdrawal means he will drop 200 ranking points, further widening the gap with World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, who overtook him in the rankings after winning the Munich Open. Alcaraz, now ranked No. 3, faces an uphill battle to reclaim his position as he navigates the clay season.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a mix of triumphs and challenges. He started the year with a quarterfinal run at the Australian Open, falling to Novak Djokovic in four sets, before claiming his first indoor hardcourt title at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam. His Monte-Carlo triumph marked his sixth Masters 1000 title, making him the first man to win ATP 500 titles on all four modern surfaces at just 21 years and 9 months. Yet, injuries have been a recurring hurdle. Earlier this season, an ankle issue in Rio and a forearm problem sidelined him, and now the adductor injury raises concerns about his participation in the upcoming Italian Open.
The Madrid Open, a cornerstone of the clay-court season, will miss Alcaraz’s flair and connection with the Spanish crowd. His 2022 victory, where he defeated Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Zverev in succession, cemented his status as a prodigy. “I bow at the feet of Rafa because of what he did week after week,” Alcaraz said recently, reflecting on the physical toll of the clay swing and his admiration for his idol. Fans, who had snapped up tickets to see “Carlitos” in action, now turn their hopes to other stars like Djokovic, Zverev, and defending champion Rublev.
As Alcaraz focuses on recovery, the tennis community rallies behind him. His resilience, seen in his 24–5 win-loss record this season, suggests this is merely a pause in his ascent. For now, the Caja Mágica will feel a little quieter without its hometown hero.
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