Carlos Alcaraz, the US Open champion, announced on Friday that he will miss the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, due to a right leg injury sustained during training. Due to Alcaraz’s withdrawal, Rafael Nadal, a fellow Spaniard and 22-time major winner, will move up to the top seed for the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on January 16.
“I picked up an injury through a chance, unnatural movement in training,” the 19-year-old Spaniard wrote on his Twitter account. “I’d worked so hard to get to my best level for Australia but unfortunately I won’t be able to play,” the world’s top-ranked player added. “It’s tough, but I have to be optimistic, recover and look forward. We’ll see you at the Australian Open in 2024.”
The top four seeds will include 21-time Grand Slam champion and nine-time champion Novak Djokovic. That will prevent him from playing his longtime foe Nadal until at least the semifinals. After being expelled from the country last year due to his refusal to get vaccinated, Djokovic will participate in the Australian Open once more.
Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam match at the US Open in September, making him the youngest world number one since the ATP rankings were established in 1973. He then finished the year at the top of the rankings, becoming the youngest player in history to do so and the first player since Andy Roddick in 2003 who wasn’t Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, or Andy Murray to do so.
However, he was forced to retire due to an abdominal tear in the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters in November, which prevented him from competing in the Djokovic-winning ATP Finals in Turin. Alcaraz was forced to skip the Davis Cup Finals as well. Alcaraz recently acknowledged that 2023 will bring new experiences for him. He will also be absent from the Kooyong Tennis Classic in Melbourne the following week.
Here is how Twitter reacted to Carlos Alcaraz’s injury
They don’t make ‘em like they used to.
— Ryan KH (@RyanRKH) January 7, 2023
As many suggested, we would like to see you play, but you listen to your body which is a smart thing to do (always). Get better soon though Carlitos. ???
— Dr. G (@G7G7G7) January 7, 2023
Australian Open: World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz to miss Melbourne Grand Slam through injury – Sky Sports https://t.co/XFKeB4Rf4j
— asikome.com (@asikomeworld) January 7, 2023
It's hurts Carlos it hurts but the Sun ? will rise again till than keep battling keep believing keep shining ?
— AJMAL SAMI (@ajmalsamilife) January 7, 2023
Maybe try some more borderline legal performance enhancing medication and see how your body reacts.
— JP (@jspet1974) January 7, 2023
Tennis News: World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz Out Of Australian Open With Leg Injury#AustralianOpen #Tennis pic.twitter.com/JySEU1KyJR
— Tennis Tracker (@TrackerTennis) January 7, 2023
Really sad for Carlos Alcaraz… #AusOpen https://t.co/ZyPyUwMmog
— Yesh (@yeshwinj) January 7, 2023
Very disappointing as a fan, Carlos… but it's part of life…Come back stronger!!! Looking forward to the Masters events in March!
— Sameer A J (@jaleeli_sameer) January 7, 2023
We’re sorry we won’t be seeing you this year @carlosalcaraz Wishing you a swift recovery. See you back on court soon ?? https://t.co/52QgcAocPf
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 6, 2023
You're gonna be missed, @carlosalcaraz – get better soon and come back stronger! ? pic.twitter.com/4svkmnNxB6
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 6, 2023
