Carlos Alcaraz has raised fears ahead of the Monte-Carlo Masters after being spotted wearing strapping on his right forearm. New details of the world No. 3’s practice session have now emerged, showing that the issue could be more serious than thought as he struggled to bring his usual intensity. Alcaraz is set to begin his campaign against Felix Auger-Aliassime after receiving a bye into the second round.
Alcaraz’s Monte Carlo campaign could be in doubt after the Spaniard took part in a worrying practice session on Monday. The 20-year-old missed the tournament due to injury 12 months ago and it could be a similar story this time around as he now appears to be carrying a right arm issue.
According to TVA Sports, Alcaraz appeared to have visible discomfort in his forearm while training on-site and kept his intensity to a minimum. The world No. 3 didn’t hit many forehands and used the slice on most of the shots while his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero fed him some balls from a basket.
The two-time Major winner also sent most of his forehands into the net and reportedly couldn’t hold his racket properly. He also did little work in the gym before heading to the practice court, sticking to a few stretches and runs.
It’s the second day in a row that Alcaraz dialled back the power in practice. It raises alarm bells ahead of his opening match, with the second rounds taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The third seed in Monte Carlo will face Auger-Aliassime, who defeated Luca Nardi 6-2 6-3 in the opening round on Monday. The former world No. 6 would be a tricky opponent for Alcaraz regardless of an injury but it will be difficult for the Spaniard to get past Auger-Aliassime if he is physically hampered.
Alcaraz has never won a match in Monte Carlo. Last year, he withdrew because of post-traumatic arthritis in the left hand and muscular discomfort in the spine. His only other appearance at the event came in 2022 where he received a bye into the second round and lost to Sebastian Korda.
There was no indication that Alcaraz was struggling physically ahead of Monte Carlo this year. He ended his eight-month title drought in Indian Wells, lifting the trophy for the second season in a row.
The Spaniard then lost to Grigor Dimitrov in the quarter-final of the Miami Open. Ahead of the clay-court Masters event, Alcaraz said: “I had a few days of rest after the Miami Open and then I started training on clay. I am a player who adapts his game very well to the surface.
“It doesn’t take me too many days to play at my best on this surface. The training sessions I have had on clay have been very good, I hope to start the tournament in a good way.”
