Alcaraz and Nadal continue recovery from injuries at Madrid Open while Djokovic skips tournament
MADRID (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz is back from injury to try to win a third consecutive Madrid Open this week, with Rafael Nadal also in Monday’s draw but top-ranked Novak Djokovic missing.
Alcaraz will be competing in his first European clay-court event of the season after skipping Monte Carlo and Barcelona because of a . The 20-year-old Spaniard begins his title defense against Alexander Shevchenko or Arthur Rinderknech.
Nadal, a record five-time champion in Madrid, continues his comeback from injury by facing American wild-card Darwin Blanch in the first round. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will then meet 10th-seed Alex de Minaur if he advances.
Nadal in the second round at the Barcelona Open last week in his first tournament for more than three months.
The 37-year-old Nadal last won the Madrid title in 2017, when he beat Dominic Thiem in the final.
Three-time champion Djokovic will not play for a second consecutive year in Madrid, reducing his clay-court preparations for his French Open title defense.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner is still likely to have the Italian Open in Rome to hone his clay game in mid-May before the event at Roland Garros starts on May 26.
Djokovic is yet to win a title this season after losing in the semifinals of Monte Carlo. He also skipped the Miami tournament in March.
Top-seeded Jannik Sinner, who beat Djokovic in the Australian Open final, will open his Madrid campaign against Lorenzo Sonego or a qualifier.
Casper Ruud, who won the Barcelona title, faces Zhizhen Zhang or Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round.
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka lead the women’s field, with Swiatek looking to win her first title at the clay-court tournament. She will also be out to capture a third consecutive French Open title.
After a first-round bye, Swiatek meets Wang Xiyu or Ana Bogdan. Sabalenka plays Elisabetta Cocciaretto or Magda Linette in the second round.
