Spanish Davis Cup team captain David Ferrer admits he is "sad" over Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal but also underlinesthat the six-time Grand Slam champion's injury is legitimate.
During an ATP Finals loss to Jannik Sinner on Sunday, Alcaraz battled a leg issue and required a medical timeout in the first set of their title match in Turin. Afterward, the 22-year-old confirmed that he felt certain discomfort and that he would need to have it checked. After the MRI results came in, a bone edema in the Spanish tennis star's hamstring was revealed. And, as expected, he had to pull out of this week's Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna.
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I am very sorry to announce that I will not be able to play with Spain in the Davis Cup. I have swelling in my right hamstring and the medical advice is not to play. Ive always said that playing for Spain is the greatest thing there is and I was really looking forward to helping the team fight for the trophy, the world No. 1 announced on Tuesday.
Ferrer on Alcaraz's withdrawal: We are sad but playing would be too risky
We are sad because Carlos will not play this week with us Yesterday night I spoke with his team and doctor Angel Cotorro as well and we decided its too risky to play this week," Ferrer said.
Alcaraz's absence is a brutal hit for the Spanish sideand their chances of winning the Davis Cup Final 8. They will now be led by world No. 36 Jaume Munar, who is also joined by Pablo Carreno Busta, Pedro Martinez and Marcel Granollers in the team.
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Spain is taking on the Czech Republic on Thursday.
