The trio of Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz and Felix Auger-Aliassime have all announced they will not participate in the upcoming ATP Monte Carlo Masters as they battle with injury.
Nadal – who is an 11-time champion in the Monaco Principality, has been out of action since January when he suffered a hip injury at the Australian Open.
His absence from Monte Carlo also casts doubts on whether he will be able to defend his 14th French Open crown which begins on May 28 in Paris.
“Unfortunately, I am still not ready to compete and will miss one of those special tournaments I always love to play,” Nadal said in an Instagram post.
“Monte Carlo is and has been a key event in 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 meanwhile revealed he will miss the Monte Carlo Masters after having discomfort at the Miami Masters where he reached the semi-finals but lost to eventual runner-up Janik Sinner.
“After two months abroad, I am happy to return home but sad because I finished my last match in Miami with physical discomfort,” the reigning Indian Wells champion said in a Twitter post.
“After visiting my doctor Dr Lopez Martinez 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. See you in the 2024 Monte Carlo Masters!”
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. See you in 2024 @ROLEXMCMASTERS! ????
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) April 4, 2023
For Auger-Aliassime, the Canadian-Togolese is nursing a knee injury having reached the quarter-finals at Indian Wells and the third round in Miami. He is hopeful to be fit for the Madrid Masters which starts on April 26.
“Unfortunately, I have to announce my retirement from the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters this year. It is an event that I look forward to each year,” Auger-Aliassime wrote on Twitter.
“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.”
Update ???????? pic.twitter.com/GwEKNU2VgB
— Félix AugerAliassime (@felixtennis) April 4, 2023
The Monte Carlo Masters runs from April 8 to April 16. Stefanos Tsitsipas is the defending champion, defeating Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in straight sets.
