The 2025 Madrid Open will see the absence of one of the ATP Tour’s top stars due to an injury withdrawal.
On Thursday, world number three Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the Madrid Open after suffering an injury during a recent match in Barcelona.
The Spanish player faced difficulties with an abductor issue during the final of the Barcelona Open, where he was defeated in straight sets by Holger Rune.
In Alcaraz’s absence, numerous ATP Tour competitors will be eager to capitalize on the opportunity to claim the title in Madrid.
Ana Ivanovic Names Djokovic and Zverev as Favorites for the Madrid Open
2008 French Open champion Ana Ivanovic shared her pick for the winner during an interview for the Madrid Open YouTube channel.
“Novak [Djokovic] is definitely always a candidate,” she remarked. “Many players are performing well, especially the younger ones, though I haven’t seen the draw yet. But I believe it’s going to be [Alexander] Zverev or Novak.”
Zverev secured a victory against Roberto Bautista Agut in his opening match, winning 6-2, 6-2, which advances him to the third round where he will face either Nuno Borges or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Djokovic has not played yet in Madrid but will start his campaign on Saturday, April 26, against Matteo Arnaldi.
Both Zverev and Djokovic are among just six players to have won multiple titles since the Madrid Open joined the Masters 1000 calendar in 2002, with the notable absence of Alcaraz now opening chances for other players to contend.
Potential First-Time Madrid Open Winners in 2025
With Alcaraz missing, the stage is set for a possible new champion to emerge in 2025.
Alex de Minaur
Australia’s Alex de Minaur has yet to capture a Masters 1000 title but has significantly improved on clay this season, showing impressive form at the Monte-Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open.
Ranked seventh, he stands to gain from Alcaraz’s withdrawal, potentially facing off against him in the quarterfinals. De Minaur’s opening match will be against Lorenzo Sonego, whom he has consistently defeated in prior encounters.
Lorenzo Musetti
Lorenzo Musetti, who recently emerged victorious over de Minaur in Monte-Carlo, also has a strong chance for his maiden Masters title in Madrid.
Even after falling to Alcaraz in the Monte-Carlo final, Musetti demonstrated prowess on clay, having tallied notable victories over top-ten players throughout his career.
Francisco Cerundolo
Argentine Francisco Cerundolo may not be the top choice for the title, but he could surprise, aiming for a deep run at this year’s event.
Cerundolo challenged Alcaraz closely in Monte-Carlo and came very close to victory in the Munich semi-finals just days prior. He is set to face fellow countryman Francisco Comesana in the third round after securing a recent victory.
