Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Mutua Madrid Open 2026, confirming his absence from the ATP Masters 1000 event for the second year in a row. The Spanish star announced his decision via social media on Friday, April 17, 2026, citing a persistent wrist problem that forced his withdrawal from the Conde de Godó tournament in Barcelona just two days prior.
Alcaraz described the choice as deeply painful, emphasizing Madrid’s special place in his career calendar. “Madrid is casa, one of the most special places on the calendar for me, and that’s why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second consecutive year,” he said in his statement. “It hurts especially not to be able to be in front of my people, in a tournament that is so special.”
The withdrawal follows Alcaraz’s early exit in Barcelona, where he retired during his second-round match after winning the first set due to wrist discomfort. Medical evaluation after the match confirmed the issue required rest and recovery time, making his participation in Madrid untenable.
Alcaraz’s absence joins that of Novak Djokovic, who will also not compete at the 2026 edition of the Madrid Open. Djokovic, currently ranked fourth in the ATP standings as of March 30, 2026, has not publicly stated his reasons for skipping the tournament. The Serbian veteran, a former world No. 1 and 2024 Olympic gold medalist, has accumulated 101 ATP singles titles throughout his career.
The Mutua Madrid Open, held annually at the Caja Mágica in Madrid, Spain, is one of the most prestigious clay-court events on the ATP Tour, serving as a key warm-up for the French Open. Alcaraz, born in El Palmar, Murcia, has previously expressed his strong connection to the tournament, having reached the final in 2022 and 2023 before his withdrawal in 2024 and now 2026.
His decision underscores the physical toll of the professional tennis circuit, particularly for players competing at the highest level across multiple surfaces. Alcaraz, who turned professional in 2018, has won multiple Grand Slam titles and reached the world No. 1 ranking during his career. The wrist issue marks his latest physical challenge as he manages a demanding schedule that includes ATP Tour events, Grand Slams, and international competitions.
The tournament field will now adjust to accommodate the absence of two of the sport’s biggest names. While Alcaraz’s withdrawal creates opportunities for other players to advance deeper into the draw, it also highlights the challenges elite athletes face in balancing competition with long-term health management.
Alcaraz concluded his message with gratitude for fan support and hope for a swift return. “Thanks for the love of always and hopefully we’ll see each other soon,” he added, signaling his intention to focus on recovery before targeting upcoming events on the clay-court swing.
The Mutua Madrid Open 2026 is scheduled to begin in late April 2026, with the exact dates to be confirmed by the ATP Tour. As of now, no official replacement or alternate has been named for Alcaraz’s vacant spot in the main draw.
For continued updates on Alcaraz’s recovery and the Madrid Open field, fans are encouraged to follow official ATP Tour communications and the player’s verified social media channels.
What are your thoughts on Alcaraz’s decision to prioritize his health over competing in Madrid? Share your perspective in the comments below and join the conversation on social media using #AlcarazMadrid.
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