Carlos Alcaraz wrapped up his career-best season after the ATP Finals. The 22-year-old suffered a tight loss to Jannik Sinner in the title match and revealed a hamstring injury that bothered him through the event.
The Spaniard still traveled to Bologna and joined the rest of the Davis Cup squad ahead of the Davis Cup Finals quarter-final against the Czech Republic. However, Carlos had to withdraw and terminate his season following an MRI scan that confirmed a muscle edema.
Following medical advice, world no. 1 made the decision he desperately wanted to avoid. The young gun shared a heartfelt message with fans, expressing the pain of stepping away from the team he was eager to lead.
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Representing Spain has always been central to his identity, even since junior days. Missing the chance to fight for his first Salad Bowl left him heartbroken.
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It's a bitter conclusion to a historic year, a season that saw him reach the ATP throne for the first time in two years and become the second-youngest six-time Major winner.
After brilliant results, especially between Monte Carlo and Tokyo, healing now comes first, with the new season waiting around the corner. Alcaraz will focus on recovery ahead of the upcoming Australian Open where he seeks the ultimate tennis glory.
The 22-year-old will return home to start his recovery. Thus, David Ferrer will count on Jaume Munar, Pablo Carreno Busta, Marcel Granollers and Pedro Martinez against the Czech Republic.
Carlos embraced his career-best indoor run in Turin. He defeated four rivals and reached the final where he missed his opportunities against Jannik. The El Palmar native felt discomfort in his right leg already during the round-robin stage.
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Things did not improve in the semi-final against Felix Auger-Aliassime, whom he defeated in straight sets to remain on the title course. However, Alcaraz's body did not endure massive efforts of the title clash.
Fighting through discomfort, Carlos asked for a medical timeout in the closing stages of the opening set. He continued with his thigh taped and fought until the end, only to finish on the losing side.
An MRI in Bologna confirmed a muscle edema in his right hamstring, an injury that carries a high risk of a tear if he continues competing. Alcaraz leaves 2025 wounded but with his head high.
The tennis world knows he will return with the same fire that carried him to the top. The Spaniard will try to become the youngest winner of the Career Grand Slam at the Australian Open, and he wants to enter the tournament at his physical and mental best.
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"I'm absolutely gutted to announce that I'm not going to be able to play with Spain in the Davis Cup in Bologna.I have an edema in the hamstring of my right leg, and the medical recommendation is not to compete.
I havealways said that playing for Spain is the greatest thing there is, and I was so excited to be able to help fight for the Salad Bowl. I'm heading home feeling heartbroken," Carlos Alcaraz wrote.
