Tennis

World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Madrid Open, citing a desire to focus on preparing for the upcoming French Open. The 36-year-old Serbian star has struggled for form this season, winning only one match in four tournaments.Djokovic's withdrawal from Madrid marks the third time in four years that he has pulled out of the tournament. He is a three-time champion at the event, but has not won a title since 2019.The Serb's decision to skip Madrid is part of a broader strategy to lighten his schedule and prioritize the Grand Slams. Djokovic has played only four tournaments this year, and has not yet found his best form."This year has been a bit different for me, I haven't yet found my best level of tennis and I hope I will at Roland Garros," Djokovic said.Djokovic's withdrawal from Madrid opens the door for other players to challenge for the title. Reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz is hoping to be fully fit after a forearm problem, while Jannik Sinner is the top seed in Djokovic's absence.Veteran Rafael Nadal will also be in action in Madrid, as he continues his comeback from injury. The 37-year-old Spaniard will face 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the first round.

Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning US Open and Wimbledon champion, has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open due to a persistent injury in his right forearm. This setback casts a shadow over his preparation for the upcoming French Open, scheduled to commence on May 26.Alcaraz, currently ranked third in the world, has been sidelined since his quarterfinal defeat to Grigor Dimitrov at the Miami Open last month. The 20-year-old Spaniard has been battling the forearm injury since then, forcing him to miss the prestigious Monte Carlo Masters.The Barcelona Open, a clay-court tournament, holds special significance for Alcaraz, who triumphed there in both 2022 and 2023. His absence from this year's edition is a major blow to the tournament and his own preparations for the French Open.Alcaraz's withdrawal raises concerns about his fitness ahead of the second Grand Slam of the season. Last year, he reached the semifinals at Roland Garros, where he was eventually defeated by eventual champion Novak Djokovic.The French Open is a tournament where Alcaraz has shown great promise. In 2021, he reached the quarterfinals as an 18-year-old, becoming the youngest player to reach that stage since Rafael Nadal in 2005.Alcaraz's absence from the Barcelona Open is a reminder of the challenges faced by young athletes in managing their physical and mental health while competing at the highest level. The injury setback is a temporary hurdle, but it underscores the importance of rest and recovery for athletes who push their bodies to the limit.As Alcaraz focuses on his rehabilitation, the tennis world will eagerly await his return to the court. His talent and determination have made him one of the most exciting players to watch, and his absence from the Barcelona Open and the French Open will be keenly felt.