Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic withdraw from Madrid Open

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz and No. 4 Novak Djokovic both withdrew Friday from next week's Madrid Open because of injuries.

Alcaraz is dealing with a right wrist injury that forced the 22-year-old Spaniard to pull out of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday before his second-round match.

Djokovic is bothered by a right shoulder injury. The 38-year-old Serbian has not played since losing in the fourth round at Indian Wells on March 11.

Alcaraz, who could have regained the No. 1 ranking from Italy's Jannik Sinner by winning the title in Barcelona, will sit out the ATP 1000-level clay-court tournament in Madrid for the second consecutive year due to injury.

"There is some news that is incredibly hard to share," Alcaraz posted on X in Spanish on Friday. "Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that's why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row.

"It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that means so much. Thank you for the unwavering affection, and I hope we see each other soon."

Djokovic also shared his bad news on social media on Friday.

"Madrid, unfortunately I won't be able to compete this year," he posted on X. "I am continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!"

Djokovic won the Madrid Open in 2011, 2016, and 2019. Alcaraz won the tournament in the Spanish capital in 2022 and 2023.

The next event on the calendar for both players is the Italian Open in Rome, starting on May 5.

Alcaraz is 22-3 this season, including his 25th and 26th career titles at the Australian Open and Qatar Open. The seven-time grand slam winner is the two-time defending champion at the French Open, which begins May 24.

Djokovic is 7-2 this season, losing to Alcaraz in the final in Melbourne. He has won 101 career titles, including a record 24 grand slam championships.

--Field Level Media