Alcaraz withdraws from Monte Carlo Masters

FRANCE World number three tennis player Carlos Alcaraz withdrew at the last minute when he discovered he had injured his right arm muscle after several practice sessions in Monaco this week.

Alcaraz felt pain in the first practice session on clay court on April 5. He received physical therapy, but the pain did not stop. The Spanish tennis player suffered this injury last October, causing him to withdraw from the Basel Open at that time.

Alcaraz practiced in Monaco last weekend with his right hand covered in bandages. He won 15, lost 4 matches since the beginning of the year, winning a Masters 1000 title at Indian Wells. Photo: ATP

Coach Carlos Ferrero decided to let his players rest for a few days after recent training sessions in Monaco, where Alcaraz appeared with a bandage on his hand. The ball in Monte Carlo was very heavy due to the court's proximity to the ocean, and Ferrero felt unsafe. The lucky person to replace Alcaraz at the Monte Carlo Masters is Lorenzo Sonego.

Alcaraz is not even sure to attend the Barcelona Open, which starts on April 15, where he must defend the championship. Alcaraz is still scheduled to play at the Madrid Open, Rome Masters and finally Roland Garros.

The 20-year-old's recovery will take place at Ferrero's academy in Murcia. Here Alcaraz carries out tests, before the draw for the Barcelona Open is made this Saturday.

This is the second time since the beginning of the year that Alcaraz has missed the tournament due to injury. He previously withdrew from his opening match at the Rio Open due to a sprained ankle. "I really wanted to play in Monte Carlo but couldn't," Alcaraz said. "I'm working hard to recover. I'll see you soon."

Last year Alcaraz also missed the Monte Carlo Masters due to injury, similar to Rafael Nadal. He missed the opportunity to earn more points in this year's tournament and if he continues not to play in Barcelona, ​​it will be difficult to catch up with Jannik Sinner on the scoreboard.