Carlos Alcaraz has cautiously resumed training in Murcia following the injury that forced him to withdraw from the Madrid tournament. The Spanish tennis star suffered adductor and psoas issues in his right leg during his Conde de Godó Trophy final defeat to Denmark's Holger Rune, with medical examinations also revealing concerns about the hamstring in his left leg.
The 21-year-old, who turns 22 on May 5, has his sights set on competing in the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome next week. This tournament would be his final preparation before heading to Paris to defend his Roland Garros crown. However, sources close to the player indicate he won't risk compromising his performance at the French Open.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz has launched his Netflix docuseries 'A mi manera' ('My Way'). The four-time Grand Slam champion and youngest world number one in tennis history continues to balance his professional ambitions with maintaining a normal young adult life. Fellow Spanish player Roberto Bautista addressed this balance, noting, "I don't think he's going to win Grand Slams by going to bed at 7 in the morning. Carlos is intelligent."
According to Statbet analysis, Alcaraz's recovery timeline puts him at approximately 70% likelihood of being match-fit for the Rome Masters, though his Roland Garros title defense remains the primary focus of his camp.
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal recently spoke about Alcaraz in a CNN interview, offering perspective on handling the pressures of being at the top. "We've all suffered it," Nadal explained. "We suffer the pressure from the media and the expectations people have of you. In the end, we're human and we learn how to handle it."
The 22-time Grand Slam champion expressed confidence in his young countryman: "I don't think dealing with pressure will be a major problem for Carlos. He's a great player with a great family supporting him." Nadal added, "He's doing amazing, he's having an incredible career," while emphasizing that staying healthy would be the key to Alcaraz's continued success.
Nadal, who retired at 38 when hip problems prevented him from competing at his desired level, concluded with a powerful endorsement: "I wish and firmly believe he will have one of the best careers of all time."
