Alcaraz, Sinner, and Medvedev injured ahead of the French Open
Three of the best tennis players in the world are dealing with injuries and fighting to be ready in time for the second major of the season.
One of the most interesting moments of the tennis season has arrived, with some of the most important clay tournaments being played.
After the Madrid Open, the players headed to Rome to participate in the fifth Masters 1000 event of the calendar, seen by many as a great opportunity to test their form against some of the best rackets in the world.
Although Novak Djokovic and Rafa Nadal will feature in the tournament, there are some big absences in the Italian Open, as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev won’t be able to compete due to injuries suffered in Madrid.
With these players out of the equation in Rome, Djokovic and Nadal will be two of the main favorites to lift the title, although players like Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, and Holger Rune will also fancy their chances.
A fight against the clock before the French Open
One of the most interesting things ahead of the Italian Open was to see how tennis idol Jannik Sinner would perform in his home country, especially after his ‘explosion’ from talented player to superstar.
Although it’s a big setback for Sinner, things could get worse than that. The world No. 2 admitted he could miss Roland Garros after a hip injury in Madrid.
“At Roland Garros, I’ll only play if I’m 100 per cent, if there’s any doubt we have to see”, he said.
But Sinner is not alone in that regard. Alcaraz and Medvedev are also out of action after suffering injuries at the Mutua Madrid Open.
The Murcia native is expected to feature in the second Grand Slam event of the year, but his presence in Paris isn’t 100% a sure thing. The 20-year-old talent didn’t get over his forearm pain and decided to withdraw from the Italian Open and have more time to recover.
“Unfortunately I will not be able to play in Rome. I need to rest so I can recover and play 100 per cent pain-free. I am very sorry, I will see you next year @InteBNLdItalia”, he said after playing in Madrid.
Meanwhile, Medvedev is the other top player whose participation at the French Open is doubtful. The 28-year-old Russian got injured and had to retire from the game against Jiri Lehecka in Madrid when he was ahead in the match (3-2).
The current Italian Open champion got treatment on his right upper leg and kept competing for a while after that, losing the first set 6-4. However, he is the one with the most possibilities to recover and play again.