Sport
Carlos Alcaraz’s Madrid Open dreams hang in the balance due to a vital medical test; “I’ve noticed some discomfort in my…
Carlos Alcaraz’s chances of competing in the Madrid Masters will be determined by a scan on the injury that impeded his ambitions in his Barcelona final defeat to Holger Rune.
Alcaraz was motivated to win his third title in Catalonia after winning the Monte Carlo Masters the previous week.
However, he was plainly hampered by a physical ailment in the second set, losing 7-6[6], 6-2.
The loss was damaging as with Alexander Zverev celebrating his 28th birthday by winning the BMW Open on home soil in Munich, Alcaraz will drop back to No 3 world rankings behind the German on Monday.
Alcaraz started the match in dominant form and broke serve early in the first set, but Rune was in impressive form and snapped a 13-game losing streak against opponents ranked in the top five rivals as he claimed his first ATP 500 title.
“It means the world,” the Dane said on Sky Sports, as he booked his return to the top 10 of the ATP rankings with his win in Barcelona.
“It was such a great match. In the beginning, I was a bit stressed because Carlos obviously played big-time tennis. I had to breathe a lot and find my rhythm.
“Then it was a big battle in the first set, the first set was extremely important. I’m so proud of myself.”
The questions after the match focused on the injury to Alcaraz and while there were suggestions he had a groin problem, the reigning French Open champion revealed the problem area was his psoas.
The psoas muscle is a long, thick muscle located in the lower back, specifically on either side of the spine.
It’s a crucial part of the core, connecting the spine to the hip and thigh bone. The psoas muscle’s main function is to flex the hip, allowing you to move your leg forward, and it also plays a role in spinal stabilisation and posture.
“I’ve noticed some discomfort in my right psoas, and when you feel a little pain, alarm bells go off and you’re taken out of the match,” said Alcaraz.
“I’ve struggled to keep going and maintain a good level. From what I’m feeling right now, I’ll be off for two days. I’m confident it won’t hurt me ahead of Madrid”
“It’s been two weeks of nonstop play, and it’s been a real challenge. Today wasn’t possible, but I gave everything I had. I don’t know if I could have pushed myself any harder.”
According to the Spanish publication Marca, Alcaraz will have a back scan on Monday, and the results will determine whether he will participate at the Madrid Open.
He will have a bye in the first round of the tournament and may request a delayed start in Madrid, but his comment that he is jadaed after playing so much tennis in Monte Carlo and Barcelona implies he may welcome a respite from competitive tennis during the next few days.
