New Delhi, Nov 18 (IANS): World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Davis Cup Finals in Italy after scans revealed swelling in his right hamstring. The Spaniard aggravated the injury during the ATP Finals, where he lost to Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s title match, dealing another blow to the International Tennis Federation’s marquee event.
Announcing his decision on Instagram, Alcaraz said he was “heartbroken” to miss the tournament. “I will not be able to play with Spain in the Davis Cup in Bologna. I have edema in my right hamstring, and the medical advice is to avoid competing. Playing for Spain means everything to me, and I was eager to help the team fight for the Davis Cup,” he wrote.
This withdrawal follows that of Sinner, currently ranked World No. 2, whose absence has now been officially confirmed by defending champions Italy. The Italian side will also be without Lorenzo Musetti, who has stepped back due to physical issues and personal family reasons. Italy is expected to bring in Lorenzo Sonego, who has been training in Turin and is seen as the strongest replacement option.
Despite injury setbacks on both fronts, the Davis Cup will continue as scheduled. Italy faces Austria on Wednesday in a tough quarter-final, while Spain will take on the Czech Republic on Thursday. The tournament will conclude with the final on Sunday.
