Although two top contenders, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, have withdrawn from the 2026 Madrid Open, Casper Ruud insists the field at the ATP Masters 1000 event remains highly competitive. Alcaraz and Djokovic’s exits are part of a larger trend, as Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, and Jack Draper have also pulled out of the tournament. The women’s field has been similarly affected, with Amanda Anisimova, Emma Navarro, and Emma Raducanu among the notable names missing.
Why Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic Withdrew From the Madrid Open
After losing to Jannik Sinner in the Monte-Carlo Masters final, Alcaraz was forced to abandon his campaign at the Barcelona Open. He withdrew from the event before his second-round clash due to a wrist injury. The Spaniard also had to make the difficult decision to pull out of the Madrid Open, expressing how painful it is to skip his home tournament in an emotional statement.
“There are some pieces of news that are incredibly hard to share. Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that’s why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row. It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that’s so special. Thank you for the unwavering affection, and I hope we see each other soon,” he wrote.
Djokovic also announced his decision to withdraw from the ATP Masters 1000 event as he continues to deal with the right shoulder injury that caused him to miss the Miami Open and the Monte-Carlo Masters.
“Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta Pronto!” he posted.
MORE: Carlos Alcaraz Alarms Tennis World As He Shows Up in an Arm Cast After Wrist Injury
Casper Ruud Discusses Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic Missing the Madrid Open
Although defending champion Casper Ruud acknowledged that it was “sad” to see Alcaraz and Djokovic absent at the Madrid Open, he emphasized that the men’s field is nothing to scoff at, citing contenders like Jannik Sinner, Arthur Fils, and Rafael Jodar.
“It’s sad that Carlos and Novak aren’t here, but plenty of players are coming into the tournament in good form. Jannik is here and could achieve something historic if he wins, Arthur Fils is coming off a win in Barcelona. There’s also a young Spaniard, Rafael Jodar, he’s a fantastic player and will be a big name in the future. There are plenty of players to enjoy,” he said.
Ruud captured his maiden ATP Masters 1000 title in Madrid last year after beating Jack Draper in the final. He will kick off his title defense against the winner of the match between Jaume Munar and Alexander Shevchenko, following a first-round bye.
MORE: Jannik Sinner Makes Feelings Clear as Injured Carlos Alcaraz Discloses French Open Uncertainty
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz has disclosed that the results of the next test on his wrist will determine whether he has to abandon his title defense at the upcoming French Open to protect his long-term fitness. On the other hand, Novak Djokovic has expressed optimism about being ready to compete at Roland Garros.
