Alcaraz clears Djokovic path as doctors order Monte Carlo withdrawal

Carlos Alcaraz has followed Rafael Nadal in withdrawing from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters. The world No 2 announced the news minutes after his compatriot pulled out, revealing that he was dealing with “soreness” following his Miami semi-final loss. It clears the way for Novak Djokovic to lift a third Monte Carlo title with his biggest threats on the clay sidelined.

Alcaraz has been forced to delay the start of his clay season on doctor’s orders. The 19-year-old enjoyed an impressive sunshine swing, winning Indian Wells and reaching the Miami Open semi-final where he lost to Jannik Sinner.

The world No 2 has now revealed that he was assessed by a doctor when returning home from America and was told not to play in Monte Carlo, with the first big event of the clay swing starting in just five days. “After two months of competing, I’m happy to be back home but sad that I finished my semi-final match in Miami with soreness,” the eight-time title winner tweeted.

“After visiting my doctor @drlopezmartinez in Murcia today and being evaluated, I will not be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the tour on the ground.”

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Alcaraz revealed that he had issues with his hand and spine, adding: “I have post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscular discomfort in the spine that needs rest to face everything that is to come. See you in 2024 @ROLEXMCMASTERS!”

The teenager’s withdrawal came moments after Nadal was forced to pull out of Monte Carlo and delay his comeback from injury, stating that he was not “ready” to returh to competition yet after getting injured at January’s Australian Open. And it will be good news for Djokovic, who will now be a standalone favourite for the title.

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The world No 1 will return to competition in Monte Carlo after being forced to miss Indian Wells and Miami because of his unvaccinated status. Nadal and Alcaraz were set to be his biggest threats on the dirt this year – with the former dubbed the ‘King of Clay’.

The 19-year-old defeated Djokovic at last year’s Madrid Masters – their only meeting – and is one of the strongest young players on the surface. But with both men now absent from the draw, the Serb will have a good opportunity to clinch his third Monte Carlo crown and extend his ranking points lead over Alcaraz.

Djokovic suffered defeat in his opening match at the clay-court Masters last year and will be able to add to his ranking with a deep run in Monte Carlo.

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