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Djokovic and Alcaraz Pull Out of Madrid Open as Injuries Take Toll

Sandy Verma | April 18, 2026 4:24 AM CST

Djokovic and Alcaraz Pull Out of Madrid Open as Injuries Take Toll/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz withdraw from Madrid Open. Injuries continue to impact top tennis stars ahead of clay season. Focus shifts to Italian Open and French Open returns.

Tennis star Novak Djokovic takes his place in the stands for the World Cup qualifying playoff final soccer match between Bosnia and Italy in Zenica, Bosnia, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Armin Durgut)

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, returns a shot against Daniil Medvedev, of Russia, during a semifinal match at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Indian Wells, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Madrid Open Withdrawals Quick Looks

Djokovic and Alcaraz withdraw from Madrid Open
Wrist and shoulder injuries cited as reasons
Tournament loses two major star attractions
Alcaraz misses Madrid for second straight year
Djokovic continues recovery from shoulder issue
Both players eye return at upcoming major events

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a forehand return against Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz during the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, File)

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain plays a forehand return to Novak Djokovic of Serbia during the men’s singles final at the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Sunday, July 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

Deep Look

Madrid Open Loses Star Power Before Tournament Start

The Madrid Open will begin without two of its biggest names, as Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have both withdrawn from the prestigious clay-court tournament due to injuries.

Alcaraz, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, confirmed Friday that he would miss the event, marking his second consecutive absence from the Madrid Open. Djokovic, ranked No. 4, is also sidelined as he continues to recover from a lingering shoulder injury.

Djokovic Continues Recovery From Shoulder Issue

Djokovic has not competed since the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells and has been managing a right shoulder injury that has disrupted his schedule.

He previously withdrew from the Miami Open and skipped the Monte Carlo Masters as part of his recovery process.

The Serbian star is a three-time Madrid Open champion, making his absence a significant blow to the tournament.

Alcaraz Sidelined by Wrist Injury

Alcaraz’s withdrawal follows ongoing concerns about his right wrist. The Spanish star had already pulled out of the Barcelona Open earlier in the week after undergoing medical tests.

He experienced discomfort during his opening match in Barcelona, where he required treatment from a trainer during a straight-sets victory over Otto Virtanen.

Speaking about his decision, Alcaraz expressed disappointment.

Tournament Responds to Star Withdrawals

Organizers of the Madrid Open acknowledged the absence of both players, expressing hope for their quick return to competition.

Focus Shifts to Upcoming Clay Court Events

Despite the setbacks, both Alcaraz and Djokovic are expected to target upcoming tournaments as they prepare for the remainder of the clay-court season.

Their next potential appearances include the Italian Open and the French Opentwo key events leading up to the summer.

Alcaraz enters the season as the defending champion at both tournaments, adding further anticipation around his recovery timeline.