Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz Withdraw from Monte Carlo Masters due to Injuries
Spain’s Rafael Nadal, 22-time Grand Slam champion, and second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz have withdrawn from the Monte Carlo Masters due to injuries. The tournament is set to begin on April 8.
Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal on Twitter, stating that he is not yet ready to compete at the highest level. The 36-year-old has been sidelined with a left hip flexor injury since his second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the Australian Open in January.
Nadal has won the Monte Carlo Masters a record 11 times, including an Open Era record streak of eight consecutive titles from 2005-12. The Spaniard generally uses the event as a key part of his preparations for the French Open, where he has won 14 of his major titles on clay at Roland Garros.
Alcaraz Withdraws Due to Physical Discomfort
Carlos Alcaraz, who had not lost a set since February before his semifinal loss in Florida last week, withdrew from the event due to “physical discomfort.” The 19-year-old Spaniard cited “post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscular discomfort in the spine that needs rest to prepare for everything that is to come.”
Both Nadal and Alcaraz had been considered top contenders for the Monte Carlo Masters title. Nadal, who currently ranks third in the world, has been dealing with chronic pain in his left foot, while Alcaraz was making his first appearance at the event.
Nadal Hopes to Return Soon
Despite his withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters, Nadal remains optimistic about his return to the court. “I am not yet in conditions to play with the maximum guarantees and I continue my preparation process, hoping to be back soon,” he said.
Nadal’s absence from the tournament marks a significant loss for fans, who will miss out on watching the legendary player’s mastery on clay. However, with his eye on the bigger prize of the French Open, it is essential that he takes the necessary time to recover fully.
Alcaraz, too, will have to rest and recover to ensure that he is in top shape for his upcoming matches. The young player has been making waves in the tennis world, and fans will be eagerly awaiting his return to the court.
