Top-ranked men's tennis player Carlos Alcaraz is out of the Australian Open due to injury. The Spanish star withdrew from the first Grand Slam of the year due to a right leg muscle injury in practice. Alcaraz himself announced on Twitter yesterday that he will withdraw from this year's Australian Open.
The 19-year-old won the first Grand Slam of his career at the US Open last September in the United Kingdom. In announcing his withdrawal from the Australian Open tomorrow, he said, 'I was injured due to an unusual movement in practice. I gave my best to stay in the best fitness in Australia. But unfortunately I can't play. Although it is difficult to accept the fact, one must be optimistic. Recover and look forward. See you at the 2024 Australian Open.'
Australian Open will start from January 16 in Melbourne. Rafael Nadal will play as the top seed in this tournament as Alcaraz withdraws. The 22-time Grand Slam champion won the Australian Open last year. Nine-time champion Novak Djokovic will be among the top four seeds in the tournament as Alcaraz withdraws. This means it is unlikely to see a Nadal-Djokovic clash before the semi-finals.
Alcaraz made history by winning the US Open last September. In 1973, he became the youngest player to top the rankings after the introduction of the ATP rankings. In addition to this, he finished the year at the top as the youngest player. Alcaraz set this precedent after Andy Roddick in 2003. Nadal, Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray dominated.
In addition to 57 wins in 70 matches, Alcaraz also won 5 titles last season. The Australian Open wished him well and tweeted, 'It's sad not to have you this year. I wish you a speedy recovery.'