Spaniards Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz won’t compete in the upcoming ATP Masters 1000 Monte Carlo, citing health issues in separate social media posts on Tuesday.
“I’m still not ready to compete at the highest level,” wrote Nadal, who is dealing with a hip injury, in a Tweet translated from Spanish. “I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo. I am not yet in a position to play with the maximum guarantees and I continue my preparation process, hoping to return soon.”
Nadal has won 11 titles on the clay courts of Monte Carlo, a tune-up event for the French Open, including eight straight from 2005-12. The 36-year-old has been victorious a record 14 times at Roland Garros in Paris.
Alcaraz, who slipped to No. 2 in the world following last week’s Miami Open, said he is experiencing problems with his left hand and back.
“After two months abroad, I am happy to return home but sad because I finished my last match in Miami with physical discomfort,” he wrote.
“I will not be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the clay court circuit. “I have post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscular discomfort in the spine that needs rest to prepare for everything that is to come.”
After two months abroad, I am happy to return home but sad because I finished my last match in Miami with physical discomfort. After visiting my doctor @drlopezmartinez in Murcia today and being evaluated, I will not be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the clay court tour. pic.twitter.com/UsJzejm1WC
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) April 4, 2023
What is to come includes tournaments in Barcelona and Madrid, which Alcaraz won last season. The French Open begins May 28, and five of the 19-year-old’s eight ATP wins have come on clay.
–Field Level Media
