Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Madrid Open with hamstring and groin injuries in a worrying sign for his fitness a month from defending his French Open title.
Madrid-based Bautista, 21, suffered the injuries in the final of the Barcelona Open, which he lost in straight sets to Denmark’s Holger Rune, and is the second seed at his home tournament. Alcaraz said he had been unable to train all week, which led to the decision to withdraw from his home event.
“I wasn’t able to practice all week, and I heard I strained hamstrings and my groin. I had to do what my body wanted me to do and it told me the right thing,” Alcaraz said. “It is hurting me not to be able to play in Madrid in front of my people, my friends and my family,” he said.
The Monte Carlo Masters champion was due to open his Madrid campaign on Friday with a second-round tie. He is scheduled for additional testing on Monday to ascertain the extent of the injury.
Though he still holds out hope of competing in the Italian Open in Rome from May 7 to 18, Alcaraz said he will be ready for Roland Garros, which gets under way on May 25.
