In silence, out of focus, Carlos Alcaraz (20) has spent a week testing his right elbow.
While all eyes turned to Rafael Nadal (37), the tennis icon who this Tuesday, if everything continues as it goes, will reappear on the scene (Flavio Cobolli awaits him), the Murcian was doing. He had given up on Monte Carlo, whose final is being played this Sunday, his forearm was bothering him, he had problems serving, but he felt in a position to reach the Godó trophy and defend the double crown that he wears in the RCTB.
However, today he has understood that that is not going to be possible.
His forearm hurts, his elbow gives out and his chances of playing in Pedralbes have faded. This morning he announced his goodbye to the tournament.
"We are going to miss you, champion. Carlos Alcaraz will not be able to defend the crown he has won in the last two seasons in the
Alcaraz's decision comes from Murcia, where he was this weekend. The world number 3 intended to carry out one last test before considering his immediate future. Although it is not a far-reaching injury, his limitations prevent him from performing at the level he deserves.
Alcaraz, the tournament's top seed, was scheduled to appear on the center court of the RCTB on Wednesday, where the winner of the Luca Van Assche-Zhizhen Zhang awaited him.
Despite not taking to the court this week, Alcaraz has promised to go to Barcelona this Monday to share the arguments for his resignation.
On the horizon are important clay matches, such as the 1,000 Masters in Madrid and Rome and, at the end of May, Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam of the year.
