Hopes are sky-high for Carlos Alcaraz as the clay court season looms, but there’s concerning news ahead of the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters. The 20-year-old is widely expected to dominate clay courts in the years to come, with tennis legend Mats Wilander even tipping him as the favorite over Jannik Sinner at the French Open for the foreseeable future.
Clay-litos *loading*
@carlosalcaraz #RolexMonteCarloMasters pic.twitter.com/wGM2HeZgoV
— Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters (@ROLEXMCMASTERS) April 7, 2024
Despite Sinner’s impressive form, which saw him rise to World No. 2 in 2024, Alcaraz remains unfazed by losing the ranking. Many speculate that the clay court season could be Alcaraz’s chance to reclaim his position, but he faces the daunting task of defending numerous points from last year, including titles in Barcelona and Madrid, along with a semifinal appearance at Roland Garros.
With ambitions of clinching his first Monte-Carlo Masters title, Alcaraz’s preparations have hit a snag. Reports reveal that he’s been troubled by discomfort in his right forearm, a concern that emerged during practice sessions both in his home country and upon arrival in Monte-Carlo.
Unfortunately, Alcaraz was forced to cut short his initial practice session due to the pain, raising fears about his fitness for the upcoming tournament. While the decision to halt training early is seen as a precautionary measure, the sight of Alcaraz practicing with heavily taped forearms and abstaining from proper forehands in a video posted by tournament organizers has only heightened concerns.
Despite the setback, Alcaraz’s participation in the Monte-Carlo Masters remains crucial, given his burgeoning popularity among tennis fans worldwide. As the reigning Wimbledon champion, his presence adds significant allure to the tournament.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Alcaraz’s condition as he strives to overcome this injury setback and continue his ascent in the tennis world, particularly on the clay courts where he is expected to shine brightest.