Daijiworld Media Network - Madrid
Madrid, Nov 20: Spain’s tennis sensation and World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to withdraw from the Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, leaving fans and teammates disappointed as he continues his wait to bring the prestigious title home.
The 22-year-old announced on Tuesday that a right hamstring injury, sustained during last week’s ATP Finals, has sidelined him from national duty. Doctors advised immediate rest, prompting the decision that Alcaraz described as “heartbreaking.”
"I'm so sorry to announce that I won't be able to play for Spain in the Davis Cup in Bologna," Alcaraz said in a post on X.
"I have an edema in my right hamstring and the medical recommendation is not to compete."
Alcaraz suffered the injury during the ATP Finals, where he reached the championship match before losing to rival Jannik Sinner. Post-tournament scans revealed muscle overload and swelling.
“I’ve always said that playing for Spain is the greatest thing, and I was really looking forward to helping us fight for the Davis Cup,” said the visibly emotional star. “I return home with a heavy heart.”
Speaking later during a video interaction with reporters, Alcaraz reassured fans that he is “not worried at all” about long-term damage.
He said he would undergo treatment daily and continue light exercises to ensure a fast recovery.
Alcaraz was expected to lead Spain against the No. 4-seeded Czech Republic in the quarterfinals on Thursday. The Czech squad boasts strong talents like Jiri Lehecka and Jakub Mensik, who earlier eliminated the United States in September qualifiers.
Spain last lifted the Davis Cup in 2019. Alcaraz, who made his debut in 2022, holds an impressive 6-2 record (5-1 in singles). However, he missed the 2023 edition as well due to fitness issues.
Last year’s shock exit in Málaga also marked the final professional appearance of legend Rafael Nadal, adding to Spain’s recent Davis Cup disappointments.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz ends the season on a high note.
He secured the year-end No. 1 ranking for the second time—becoming the youngest ever to achieve the feat at 19 in 2022.
In 2025, he clinched both the French Open and the U.S. Open, taking his Grand Slam tally to six.
Even as Spain enters the Davis Cup Finals without its brightest current star, hopes remain strong that Alcaraz will make a triumphant return next season—continuing his quest to one day lift the Cup he calls “really important… one of my biggest dreams.”