The clay-court tournament in the Spanish capital has not yet started its main draw, but it has already suffered significant losses with numerous players withdrawing. As of 20/4, a total of 17 players across both the men's and women's singles draws are unable to compete.
Alcaraz, the world number two and a two-time Madrid Open champion, is absent for the second consecutive year. The 22-year-old suffered wrist and right arm injuries at the Barcelona Open, where he defeated Otto Virtanen in his opening match but later had to withdraw. Alcaraz's inability to play is a major blow to the organizers, as he is the home favorite.
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Alcaraz during his match against Virtanen in the first round of the Barcelona Open, on Pista Nadal, Barcelona, Spain on 14/4. Photo: Reuters
Following Alcaraz, Djokovic also announced his withdrawal from the tournament. The Serbian player, a three-time champion of the Masters 1000 event in Madrid, stated that he has not fully recovered from a shoulder injury. Djokovic has only played two tournaments in 2026.
Taylor Fritz is another top 10 player not participating. He has not yet competed on clay this season. Currently, the list of withdrawals in the men's singles draw stands at eight players.
In the women's draw, Emma Raducanu is the latest name to join the list of absences. The 2021 US Open champion has not played since Indian Wells. Barbora Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champion, also withdrew, along with Sara Bejlek and McCartney Kessler.
Marketa Vondrousova, a former Wimbledon champion and currently ranked 42nd in the world, is also unlikely to compete after being accused by the Tennis Integrity Agency of refusing a doping test. The Czech player has not played since 1/2025.
The Madrid Open is the first WTA 1000 event of the clay season and the second ATP clay Masters 1000 after Monte Carlo. The women's main draw begins on 21/4, with the men's competition starting a day later. The women's and men's finals will take place on 2/5 and 3/5, respectively.
Casper Ruud and Aryna Sabalenka are the defending champions. With Alcaraz and Djokovic absent, world number one Jannik Sinner is now considered an even stronger favorite for the title. Last year, the Italian player was absent while serving a ban for a positive doping test.
Vy Anh
