World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Davis Cup Finals due to a right thigh injury, jeopardizing Spain’s campaign just days after his defeat in the ATP Finals championship.
The 22-year-old Spaniard announced his decision on social media Tuesday. He cited a medical recommendation against competing due to edema in his right posterior thigh.
Alcaraz expressed deep disappointment at missing the tournament. “Playing for Spain is the best thing in the world,” he wrote, adding he was “quite eager to help our team fight for the trophy.”
The injury was sustained during the recent ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. Alcaraz reached the final but lost to world No. 2 Jannik Sinner in two sets on Sunday.
The Davis Cup Finals knockout stage began Tuesday, with Spain scheduled to face the Czech Republic in a quarter-final match on Thursday. Alcaraz was slated to lead the Spanish squad.
Spain has won the premier international team tennis competition six times, most recently in 2019. Alcaraz also missed the 2023 Davis Cup due to injury.
Despite his recent injury setback, Alcaraz secured the year-end World No. 1 ranking for the second consecutive year, repeating his 2022 achievement. He holds two Grand Slam titles, having won the US Open and Wimbledon.