The Australian Open 2023 will see a major absence of world No. 1 and defending US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz after he was ruled out of the tournament due to a foot injury. The 19-year-old Spaniard, who is set to make a breakthrough in 2022, suffered a foot injury during pre-season and will now be ruled out of the tournament. This is the second year in a row that world No. 1 will not play in the Australian Open after Novak Djokovic missed 2022 due to his unfit status.
Alcaraz takes to social media
Writing on social media, Alcaraz said: “It’s time to deal with another setback. When I was at my best in pre-season, I picked up the injury through a chance, unnatural movement in training.
“I have worked very hard to be at my best for Australia but unfortunately I will not be able to play at Care A2+ Kooyong.” [warm-up event] Or the Australia Open. It’s tough, but I have to be optimistic, recover and look ahead. See you in 2024 @australianopen.”
Alcaraz rose to the top of the rankings in the 2022 season, defeating Casper Rudd in the final in New York to become the youngest person to hold the number one spot.
When did the injury happen?
The teenager suffered a setback at the end of the campaign when he pulled an abdominal muscle, ruling him out of the ATP Finals and Davis Cup Finals. The timing of this latest injury is extremely unfortunate and robs one of the most exciting drawcards of the Australian Open.
Alcaraz’s absence means compatriot Rafael Nadal is set to be top seed to defend his title at Melbourne Park, with the tournament starting on January 16. The tournament will also see the return of Novak Djokovic, who was banned from participating last year, as he bids for his 10th Australian Open title.