REPORTS: Carlos Alcaraz to announce Madrid withdrawal amid injury struggles

Brace yourselves, Spanish tennis fans: According to multiple reports from national sports media outlets, Carlos Alcaraz is set to announce his withdrawal from the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday.

The world No. 3’s participation had already been in doubt after he struggled with an adductor injury in his right leg during the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell final on Sunday. Alcaraz received treatment for it during his 7-6 (6), 6-2 defeat to Holger Rune, and told journalists there that he would await the results of medical examinations before he and his team made any decisions.

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According to El Larguero, Partidazo de COPE and more, that decision is unfortunately said to be a ‘no go’—as Pedro Fullana of Cadena SER further reported that Alcaraz will hold a press conference at the Caja Magica at 12:30 p.m. local time to share the news.

“He didn’t train yesterday, he didn’t train today, and we can confirm that he will not be training tomorrow either,” Fullana stated.

My participation in Madrid is in doubt, I’m a little bit tired physically. But I have to listen to my body and see how the tests go. Alcaraz on "El Hormiguero"

The timing couldn’t be worse for Alcaraz, who looked to be returning to form in emphatic fashion. He racked up a nine-match winning streak after winning his first title at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and reaching the final in Barcelona.

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The news also comes amid the hectic marketing buildup to the release of his upcoming Netflix docuseries, Carlos Alcaraz: My Way. Speaking during the late night talk show El Hormiguero as he did the promotional rounds on Wednesday evening, the Murcia native was clear he wasn’t feeling 100 percent ready.

“I did a few tests on Monday and now I’m waiting,” Alcaraz stated. “I thought at the beginning of the week I’d be better. My participation in Madrid is in doubt, I’m a little bit tired physically. But I have to listen to my body and see how the tests go.

“For me, Madrid is one of the places where I enjoy playing the most.”

A two-time Madrid Open champion, Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals at last year’s event. He is next scheduled to compete at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, which kicks off on May 7, before he begins his title defense at Roland Garros.