Carlos Alcaraz may have shown some very worrying signs during Sunday’s practice session in Monte Carlo as the Spaniard had his right forearm taped before finishing his practice prematurely.
Alcaraz, who last played at the Miami Masters in late March where he suffered a quarterfinal defeat to Grigor Dimitrov, came to Monte Carlo this week to start his clay season.
Today, world No. 3 Alcaraz showed up with his forearm taped in his first Monte Carlo practice, which is likely an indication that he is dealing with some sort of pain and discomfort.
According to Spanish sports journalist German R. Abril, the two-time Grand Slam champion decided to finish his practice prematurely due to “precautionary reasons.”
🇲🇨 Carlos Alcaraz llega con molestias en la zona del antebrazo derecho al M1000 de Montecarlo. Ya en su primer día de entrenamiento en tierras monegascas tuvo que finalizar la sesión antes de tiempo por precaución. pic.twitter.com/zVlUJKd5SO
— Germán R. Abril (@gerebit0) April 7, 2024
Is Alcaraz’s Monte Carlo appearance in doubt?
This year, 20-year-old Alcaraz is scheduled to make his second appearance on the clay courts of Monte Carlo. After losing in the Monte Carlo second round in his debut two years ago, Alcaraz arrived to the Principality this year hoping to start his clay season in style.
Since Alcaraz is the third-seeded player, he has a first-round bye at the tournament. After a first-round bye, Alcaraz will likely play against Felix Auger-Aliassime, who has been drawn to meet a qualifier in the first round.
Although former world No. 6 Auger-Aliassime hasn’t had much success over the last year, there is no doubt that the Canadian is certainly not the best possible matchup for an opener.
But after Alcaraz showed up to his first practice with his right forearm taped and being forced to leave the court earlier than expected, the logical question is if the Spaniard’s Monte Carlo participation is in jeopardy and if he plays, how fit he will be to play.
If Alcaraz manages to play in Monte Carlo, his first match will certainly tell a lot and show the real conditions of his right forearm.
