Alcaraz withdraws from Italian Open three weeks before Roland Garros

World number three Carlos Alcaraz has announced his withdrawal from the Italian Open as he continues to battle an arm injury, the two-time Grand Slam champion confirmed on Friday.

After successfully defending his Indian Wells title in March and reaching the quarter-finals of the Miami Open, Alcaraz sustained a right forearm injury during a practice session in Monaco. The injury has persisted, hampering the start of his clay court season.

The 20-year-old Spaniard’s hopes of securing a third consecutive Madrid Open title were dashed when he suffered a 4-6 6-3 6-2 defeat to Russian Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

Sentí dolor después de jugar en Madrid, molestias en mi brazo. Hoy me hecho unas pruebas y tengo un edema muscular en pronador redondo, consecuencia de mi última lesión. Desgraciadamente no voy a poder jugar en Roma. Necesito descanso para recuperarme y poder jugar sin dolor al… pic.twitter.com/hCm87LLIhH

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Alcaraz leaves Djokovic no chance to defend Wimbledon title

— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) May 3, 2024

Alcaraz took to social media platform X to announce his withdrawal, stating, “I felt some pain after playing in Madrid, some discomfort in my arm. Unfortunately, I will not be able to play in Rome. I need to rest so I can recover and play 100% pain-free. I am very sorry, I will see you next year.”

The Italian Open, an ATP Tour Masters 1000 event, is scheduled to take place from May 8-19.