Overview
- Both players confirmed on Friday that they will miss Madrid, with Novak Djokovic citing ongoing shoulder recovery and Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by a right‑wrist injury.
- Alcaraz felt wrist pain during his Barcelona opener and, after tests showed a worse‑than‑expected issue, he withdrew there and now skips his home Masters for a second straight year.
- Djokovic has not played since Indian Wells, having already missed Miami and Monte Carlo with the shoulder problem, which leaves him without a clay match so far this season.
- World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has not committed to Madrid, a choice that could preserve his ranking lead and would widen the draw for contenders such as Alexander Zverev and Casper Ruud.
- The draw is due Monday and both stars are now eyeing the Italian Open in May before Roland Garros later that month, a shift that pressures their match readiness and dents Madrid’s star power.