The Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters is the only one of the nine Masters 1000 tournaments that isn’t required for top players. That means they can skip the event even if they aren’t injured and won’t incur any ranking-points penalty.
As such, it’s no surprise that the Monte-Carlo field is generally a little bit weaker that that of other Masters 1000s–nor is it any surprise that Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz are not playing this year. Although official injuries are not necessary for skipping, both Spaniards have been struggling physically of late and want to rest up for the remainder of the European clay-court season.
Nadal has been sidelined since the Australian Open due to a hip injury. The 14-time French Open champion has been practicing on clay in recent weeks, but he announced earlier this week that he is not ready for matches.
“Unfortunately I am still not ready to compete and will miss one of those special tournaments I always love to play,” Nadal said of his withdrawal from Monte-Carlo. “Monte Carlo is and has been a key event on my career, but unfortunately I will have to miss it again since I am still not ready to compete without the risk of getting injured. I will continue the long process of getting ready to come back.”
Alcaraz missed the Australian Open but returned to capture titles in Buenos Aires and Indian Wells before reaching the Miami semifinals. The 19-year-old briefly regained the No. 1 ranking but then lost it to Novak Djokovic when he failed to defend his 2022 Miami title.
“After two months abroad, I am happy to return home but sad because I finished my last match in Miami with physical discomfort,” Alcaraz posted on Twitter. “After visiting my doctor…in Murcia today and being evaluated, I will not be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the clay court tour. I have post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscular discomfort in the spine that needs rest to prepare for everything that is to come.”
Also waiting to begin his clay-court swing is Felix Auger-Aliassime.
“Unfortunately I have to announce my retirement from the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters this year,” the Canadian wrote. “It is an event that I look forward to each year. However, I have been struggling with my left knee for the past few weeks and decided it was the smartest decision to take some time off so I’m able to fully heal and recover before my next tournament at the Mutua Madrid Open. Thank you as always for your support and I look forward to seeing you back on court soon.”
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door open for Djokovic