Mar 21, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) reaches for a forehand against David Goffin (BEL)(not pictured) on day four of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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Carlos Alcaraz Injury Update – Is Carlos Alcaraz’s Madrid Open Dream Under Jeopardy After Rumored Injury?

Carlos Alcaraz's participating at the Madrid Masters in doubt!

The recently concluded Barcelona Open showcased a thrilling final between Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, both of whom displayed a high level of aggressive baseline play. As entertaining as the first set was, which ended in Rune taking the tie break 8-6, the second set ended 6-2 in favor of the Dane, who claimed his first title in two years.

Going for back-to-back titles on the tough clay following his victory at the Madrid Masters just last week, Alcaraz showed just how good he is when at his best in the opening set. While dropping his first set in the entire tournament was a minor setback, the second set posed a new problem with the Spaniard taking a medical timeout.

Alcaraz’s Injury in the Second Set

Midway into the second set, the Spaniard was leading 2-1 on serve when he took a medical timeout for what was being perceived as a groin problem. Unfortunately, though, even after returning with heavy strapping, Alcaraz clearly struggled. At 2-2, the Spaniard was unable to hold serve and never won another game in the set.

Carlos Alcaraz seemed to be struggling with an injury midway through the match, allowing Holger Rune to win his first trophy since the Bavarian Open in April 2023. https://t.co/0FtMBZBAdr pic.twitter.com/yKwhPJqLwO
— Reuters (@Reuters) April 20, 2025

Also Read: Alexander Zverev Makes Light Work of Ben Shelton to Capture 2025 ATP BMW Open Munich Crown

Following the match, Alcaraz was asked about the injury, and he clarified that the problem lies in his psoas muscle. This muscle is a long, ribbon-shaped muscle found in the lower back on either side of the spine. The psoas is an essential part of the core that helps movements for the lower back, hips, and upper legs.

The 21-year-old will now undergo a critical medical test that should reveal how bad the injury is and, more importantly, whether or not his hopes of participating in the Madrid Masters are still alive. While the Monte-Carlo Champion remains upbeat about his ability to partake in Madrid, a final decision will be taken only after proper testing.

What Is on the Line for Alcaraz?

If Alcaraz is unable to participate in Madrid, it will be another crushing blow to his ranking. His loss to Rune at the Barcelona Open, coupled with the triumph of Alexander Zverev at the BMW Open in Munich, has seen the duo swap places in the ATP rankings with the Spaniard dropping to world number 3, and the German moving to the number 2 spot.

Currently, Italy’s Jannik Sinner is the number 1-ranked tennis player in the world, but his three-month ban due to a positive doping test has allowed Zverev and Alcaraz to close the gap. But, Sinner is due to return at the Italian Open, the Madrid Masters will be of utmost importance for both players in their pursuit of the World number one ranking.

Barcelona Open

Carlos Alcaraz

Madrid Masters

Tennis

Devavrat Kulkarni

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