As the clay courts of the 2025 Madrid Open shimmer with promise, Carlos Alcaraz, the dazzling Spanish star and world No. 3, teeters on the edge of uncertainty. Days after a bruising defeat in the Barcelona Open final on April 20, the 21-year-old revealed a troubling injury to his right leg’s adductor muscle, threatening his quest for a third Madrid title. With the Caja Mágica set to ignite, Alcaraz’s fate hinges on critical medical tests, leaving the tennis world on tenterhooks.
Alcaraz’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of glory and grit. Fresh off a commanding Monte Carlo Masters triumph, he stormed into Barcelona eyeing a third straight crown. But the final against Holger Rune shifted the narrative. After dropping a tight 7-6(8-6) first set, Alcaraz’s agility faltered. At 2-1 in the second, he took a medical timeout for his upper right leg, returning with heavy strapping but diminished spark. Rune pounced, claiming a 6-2 set and the title, nudging Alcaraz to No. 3 behind Alexander Zverev in the ATP rankings.
At a Netflix documentary premiere in Madrid, Alcaraz struck a hopeful note. “I feel fine physically,” he said, though weary from a relentless schedule. “Tests are done, and we’ll see the results. I’m used to playing through discomfort, so I hope to enjoy Madrid.” His words carry weight for a home event steeped in emotion, where he’s a two-time champion, and crucial for his chase of the No. 1 spot, with Jannik Sinner’s doping ban return looming.
The adductor issue flared during Barcelona’s grueling rallies, worsened by a punishing 10 matches in 12 days across Monte Carlo and Barcelona. “Honestly, I’m okay—nothing unusual,” he told reporters at the Laureus Sports Awards alongside Rafael Nadal. “After two weeks of nonstop play, the body sends warnings. I trust it’s not serious.” An MRI on Monday showed “positive signs” with his physiotherapist, but his Madrid participation awaits confirmation.
The Madrid draw intensifies the stakes. As No. 2 seed, Alcaraz skips the first round, facing Zizou Bergs or Yoshihito Nishioka on April 26, gaining an extra rest day. A potential semifinal against Novak Djokovic, who outdueled him in 2022, or a final with top seed Zverev beckons. His 2022 and 2023 Madrid triumphs fuel expectations, making a withdrawal—especially without Nadal, retired in 2024—a gut punch for fans and the event.
Alcaraz’s grit defines him. Despite 2024 injuries sidelining him for Monte Carlo and Barcelona, he defended his French Open and Wimbledon titles. Reflecting on Nadal’s endurance, he said post-Barcelona, “Rafa’s week-after-week dominance is unreal. You have to respect that.” Yet, whispers of a possible grade 2 hamstring strain, requiring 2-3 weeks’ recovery, raise fears for Madrid and Roland Garros.
Awaiting test results, Alcaraz balances ambition with caution. “Two weeks of relentless play took a toll,” he admitted. “I gave everything, but it wasn’t enough.” As the tennis world holds its breath, Alcaraz’s next step—a heroic return or a wise pause—will shape his clay crusade and his bid to reclaim the throne.