Two of the biggest names in tennis, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, are officially out of the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters. This is a significant loss for the event, as it loses two of its top seeds. The Spanish duo announced their decision via social media on Tuesday, April 4, ahead of the season's opening Clay Masters 1000. The tournament is set to begin on April 8, with the finals taking place on April 16.
Spain’s two world-class star players Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz have pulled out of the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters, leaving the tournament devoid of two of the biggest seeds in world tennis at the moment. On Tuesday (April 4), the Spaniards took to social media to announce their withdrawal from the first Clay Masters 1000 event of this season. The Monte-Carlo Masters tournament begins on April 8 and the summit clash will be played on April 16.
Nadal is extending his time away from the game, admitting that he isn't yet in the condition required for elite competition. He noted that he can't play with total physical certainty at the moment, but he is staying focused on his rehabilitation and hopes to be back in action shortly.
The legendary 22-time Grand Slam winner has been out of the loop since an unexpected exit in the second round of the Australian Open. In that match, the 36-year-old suffered a grade 2 tear in the left iliopsoas muscle. After missing the full hardcourt circuit, there was high anticipation that he would return for the start of the clay season.
Nadal's history in Monte Carlo is unmatched, with a record 11 titles, including an incredible run of eight straight wins between 2005 and 2012. He typically uses this tournament to sharpen his game for the French Open, held from May 28 to June 11. His dominance on clay is legendary, having secured 14 majors at Roland Garros, including a victory last year despite battling chronic pain in his left foot.
Meanwhile, World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz is stepping aside due to physical issues following a tough semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner in Florida. Before that Miami Open defeat, the 19-year-old had been nearly unstoppable, not dropping a single set since February. Alcaraz explained that the grueling three-hour match left him exhausted and worn down. He revealed that he is dealing with post-traumatic arthritis in his left hand and some spinal discomfort, making rest essential to prepare for future tournaments.
Canada's Felix Auger Aliassime, currently ranked seventh, is also out. He shared on Instagram that he's been dealing with a lingering left knee issue and decided that taking a break now is the most sensible way to ensure a complete recovery.