Huge blow for Spain as Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of the Davis Cup

After a whirlwind Monday of medical tests and evaluations, Spanish tennis fans woke up Tuesday morning to the worst possible news: World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz will not compete in the Davis Cup Finals this week in Bologna, Italy.

Alcaraz himself confirmed the setback, revealing he has a hamstring edema in his right leg—an injury sustained during last week’s ATP Finals—that prevents him from competing at full strength.

The Spanish Tennis Federation also issued a statement confirming his withdrawal. Spain will now head into Thursday’s quarterfinal clash against the Czech Republic (4:00 a.m. ET) with just four players: Jaume Munar, Pedro Martínez, Pablo Carreño, and Marcel Granollers.

“I’m truly sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play for Spain in the Davis Cup in Bologna. I have an edema in my right hamstring, and the medical recommendation is not to compete. Representing Spain has always been the greatest honor, and I was excited to fight for the trophy. I’m heading home hurt,” Alcaraz shared in a post on social media.

What is a hamstring edema?

A hamstring edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid inside the muscle, typically caused by strain, overload, or microtears. While not a full tear, it often signals the onset—or aftermath—of muscle damage. Alcaraz had hoped to push through and chase his first Davis Cup title, but ultimately decided the risk was too great.

Alcaraz traveled from Turin to Bologna on Monday, a three-and-a-half-hour drive, to undergo an MRI. Team doctor Ángel Ruiz Cotorro oversaw the exam, with results sent to Alcaraz’s personal physician in Murcia, Juanjo López. Initial reports suggested only muscle overload, raising hopes he might train Wednesday and decide then.

But by late Monday night, the outlook shifted. Sources close to the player warned that competing Thursday against the Czech Republic could risk a serious tear—especially with the Australian Open less than two months away. Spanish radio program El Partidazo de COPE first reported the withdrawal Monday night, and Alcaraz confirmed it himself hours later. The six-time Grand Slam champion will leave Spain’s Davis Cup camp Tuesday without attending the scheduled press conference.

Alcaraz’s season ends abruptly

Alcaraz’s withdrawal effectively closes his 2025 season sooner than expected. The 22-year-old capped what was arguably the best year of his career with 71 wins, just 9 losses, and 8 titles:

He will now focus on recovery before a busy exhibition schedule: December 7 against Frances Tiafoe in New Jersey, December 8 against João Fonseca in Miami, and January 10 against Jannik Sinner in South Korea. From there, he’ll head to Australia to prepare for the first Grand Slam of 2026.

Spain’s new challenge

With Alcaraz sidelined, Spain’s lineup looks very different. By ranking, Jaume Munar becomes the team’s No. 1 singles player, joined by Pablo Carreño for the second singles match. Granollers and Martínez will pair up for doubles if needed.

Spain faces a daunting task Thursday against a Czech squad led by Jiri Lehecka, Jakub Mensik, and Tomas Machac—now considered favorites to lift the Davis Cup trophy. Should Spain pull off the upset, they would meet either Argentina or Germany in Saturday’s semifinals, with a potential final Sunday against the winner of the France-Belgium and Italy-Austria bracket.

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