Carlos Alcaraz announced this Friday he injured the semimembranosus muscle of the right leg in a practice and will not be able to play in the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season in Melbourne. The Murcian made it known on social networks.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play in the Care A2+ Kooyong or the Australian Open. It was a difficult moment, but I had to be optimistic, recover and look ahead. See you in 2024″, he said. “When I was in the best moment of the preseason, I injured myself with a sudden and forced movement during training, this time in the semimembranosus muscle of my right leg. I worked hard to reach my best level in Australia…“, lamented the number 1 in the world.
Alcaraz suffered a leg problem a few days ago during training and, after carrying out the relevant medical tests, it was confirmed a muscle injury that would prevent him from participating in the ocean voyage. This injury comes on top of the one he suffered at the end of last season, incl an abdominal tear that prevented him from competing in the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup Finals.
The world number 1 will therefore not be present at the tournament in Melbourne, which starts on the 16th. He thoroughly prepares for that event, choosing the calendar. In fact, it is listed only on yes exhibition in recent days, after participating last December in Abu Dhabi Mubadala exhibition tournament. He did not look comfortable here and he said goodbye to two losses against Andrey Rublev (6-2 and 6-1) and against Casper Ruud (6-1 and 6-4).
In this way, Alcaraz will have to focus on his recovery with his mind set on a calendar where the South American tour is approaching in February, where the student of Juan Carlos Ferrero plans to participate in the tournament of Rio de Janeirowhere he defends the title on clay, and in the tournament of acapulco, is already on the hard track. Then you have a schedule exhibition against Rafael Nadal in Las Vegas on March 5, before facing the Indian Wells Masters 1000where he defends the semifinals, and Miamiwhere he is the current champion.
The number 1, at stake in the Australian Open
The loss of Carlos Alcaraz opens the fight for number 1 in the world at the Australian Open. The man from El Palmar could not defend the 90 points he scored in his third round last year, in a scenario that in 2023 helps increase his advantage at the top of the rankings.
With Rafa Nadal having no option to add points (he is defending 2,000 titles) and therefore out of the equation, Casper Ruud, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic There will be options to seize the scepter in the first Grand Slam of the season to Alcaraz, who will see how his defensive options will pass through the potential holes of his rivals. With Djokovic still alive in Adelaide and Tsitsipas also in contention at the United Cup, all three players now rely on themselves to claim that title. It is yes, the only priority of the Spaniards is to recover to return to the circuit at the highest level.
Source: La Verdad
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