Carlos Alcaraz pulls out of Acapulco, also puts Indian Wells participation in doubt with latest injury diagnosis
It has been only two weeks since Carlos Alcaraz made a return to the tour following a prolonged injury break from November to mid-February. However, the Spaniard yet again has injury concerns as he has withdrawn from Acapulco and is in doubt for the Indian Wells Masters.
Alcaraz made it to the final of the Rio Open, where he faced second seed Cameron Norrie. The World No. 2 looked rusty in the latter stages of the match as Norrie fought back from a set down to win the title.
It was later revealed that Alcaraz had picked up an injury during the final. The Spaniard has now shed light on the severity of his injury.
Carlos Alcaraz took to social media to reveal that he picked up a grade 1 strain on his right hamstring and that the injury would keep him out for "several days." He also expressed disappointment at having to withdraw from the Mexican Open.
"Unfortunately I won't be able to play in Acapulco. I have a grade 1 strain in my right hamstring that will keep me out for several days, according to the tests we did this morning. I'm really sad I can't compete here, but now it's time to think about recovering and being ready as soon as possible. I hope to see you all soon!," wrote the 19-year-old on Instagram.
Alcaraz was scheduled to play against Mackenzie McDonald in the first round of the Mexican Open on Tuesday.
"The schedule is very demanding" - Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz recently stated that the ATP tour's schedule is "very demanding" and that it is having an effect on his physical well-being.
"The schedule is very demanding. I have been playing at the highest level for 15 days, without stopping for any day. In the end, playing games like today, discomfort arises, and you notice things. To prevent, you ask for the physio and they bandage your leg, but I felt pain in the same muscle where I had the injury last month. It's hard. I have tried to play at my best level despite that setback," he said in an interview with Punto de Break.
He also discussed the Rio Open final against Norrie in which he took an aggressive approach, which led to many mistakes.
"I tried to be more aggressive and finish the points faster, but against an opponent like Norrie, who is very tough, it's difficult to win. Taking so many risks, you end up making a lot of mistakes and that has influenced me a lot," Alcaraz said.
The defeat against Cameron Norrie was Alcaraz's first of the season. His win-loss record stands at 8-1.