World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz retracted his attendance at the Swiss Indoors Basel as he sustained two injuries. After his two failed Asian stints, Alcaraz vowed last week that he would attend the ATP 500 in Basel to try and catch up to Novak Djokovic before the Paris Masters.
Currently, the two are competing for the number 1 spot in the rankings, with Djokovic in the No. 1 spot with 8945 and Alcaraz in the No. 2 spot with 8445. In a post-match conference after the game with Dimitrov, the Spaniard tennis player said, “It’s been complicated for me to finish the year as No. 1, but I will try to do my best in Basel, which will be my next tournament. It’s going to be difficult but I want to try, “ as per tennisuptodate.
But, it seems Alcaraz may have to put his dreams on hold.
Alcaraz cancels Basel
The Swiss Indoors Basel recently announced on their Instagram that the 20-year-old has canceled his attendance at the tournament.
The post reads:
“Injured Alcaraz has to cancel Basel 🤕 Stan Wawrinka moves up to the main draw. Alcaraz had to cancel his start at the Swiss Indoors (October 21-29) today due to an injury. According to his doctor’s bulletin, the world number two is suffering from an inflammation of the sole of his left foot and problems in his gluteal muscles. Stan Wawrinka from Vaud is now in the main draw due to a move up in the entry list. The wildcard that has become free as a result will be awarded to the Swiss Leandro Riedi.”
In his X account, Alcaraz also let his fans know about his situation, saying “Unfortunately I will not be able to play in Basel this year! 🥲 I have a problem with the plantar fascia in my left foot and muscle fatigue in my lower back which need treatment so I can play the rest of the season. I hope to see you all soon!”
Unfortunately I will not be able to play in Basel this year! 🥲 I have a problem with the plantar fascia in my left foot and muscle fatigue in my lower back which need treatment so I can play the rest of the season. I hope to see you all soon! pic.twitter.com/44MvsjQDVn
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) October 18, 2023
Recent Asian Stints
Alcaraz recently joined the China Open and the Rolex Shanghai Masters tournament. However, he was defeated by Italian player Jannik Sinner in the China Open, and Bulgarian player Grigor Dimitrov in the Shanghai Masters, blocking his way to clinch another title and catch up to Djokovic in the rankings.
Alcaraz was nonetheless praised by 20-time grand slam champion Roger Federer, who added that it’s “normal” for him to fall short from time to time.
“And I think Carlos, he’s done as well as he possibly could have so far. And he’s going to lose some time to time, like here in Shanghai. But he’s doing fantastic. He’s got a great game & obviously an unbelievable future ahead of him,” Federer said.
Roger Federer says it’s normal for Carlos Alcaraz to lose from time to time:
“Alcaraz is great. I mean, look, he's still young & everything that he has achieved is fantastic. And not just on clay or just on hard. But also now winning Wimbledon against Novak in the final.. that… pic.twitter.com/7aUHCOXD5Y
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 16, 2023
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