World number one forced out of Australian Open

World men’s tennis number one Carlos Alcaraz will not play in the Australian Open after picking up a right leg muscle injury during pre-season training.

Carlos Alcaraz
Photo: PHOTOSPORT

“When I was at my best in preseason, I picked up an injury through a chance, unnatural movement in training.

This time it’s the semimembranosus muscle in my right leg.” he wrote on Twitter.

“I’d worked so hard to get to my best level for Australia but unfortunately I won’t be able to play the Care A2+ Kooyong or the Australian Open. It’s tough, but I have to be optimistic, recover and look forward. See you in 2024,” he added.

The 19-year-old claimed his maiden major title at last year’s U.S Open, which also made him the youngest ever men’s world number one.

Before the start of the first Grand Slam of the year, he said he was nearing full fitness ahead of the new season, having missed the ATP Finals and Davis Cup due to an abdominal injury sustained at the Paris Masters.

Alcaraz surged to the top of the rankings in a remarkable 2022 season, becoming the youngest man ever to hold the number one position after beating Casper Ruud in the final in New York.

The timing of this latest injury is extremely unfortunate and robs the Australian Open of one of its most exciting drawcards.

-Reuters