Alcaraz and Nadal continue recovery from injuries at Madrid Open while Djokovic skips tournament

MADRID (AP) — Carlos Alcaraz is again from harm to attempt to win a 3rd consecutive Madrid Open this week, with Rafael Nadal additionally in Monday’s draw however top-ranked Novak Djokovic lacking.

Alcaraz will likely be competing in his first European clay-court occasion of the season after skipping Monte Carlo and Barcelona due to a proper arm harm. The 20-year-old Spaniard begins his title protection towards Alexander Shevchenko or Arthur Rinderknech.

Nadal, a report five-time champion in Madrid, continues his comeback from harm by dealing with American wild-card Darwin Blanch within the first spherical. The 22-time Grand Slam champion will then meet Tenth-seed Alex de Minaur if he advances.

Nadal misplaced to De Minaur within the second spherical on the Barcelona Open final week in his first event for greater than three months.

The 37-year-old Nadal final received the Madrid title in 2017, when he beat Dominic Thiem within the remaining.

Three-time champion Djokovic is not going to play for a second consecutive yr in Madrid, lowering his clay-court preparations for his French Open title protection.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner remains to be prone to have the Italian Open in Rome to hone his clay sport in mid-Could earlier than the occasion at Roland Garros begins on Could 26.

Djokovic is but to win a title this season after shedding within the semifinals of Monte Carlo. He additionally skipped the Miami event in March.

High-seeded Jannik Sinner, who beat Djokovic within the Australian Open remaining, will open his Madrid marketing campaign towards Lorenzo Sonego or a qualifier.

Casper Ruud, who received the Barcelona title, faces Zhizhen Zhang or Miomir Kecmanovic within the first spherical.

High-ranked Iga Swiatek and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka lead the ladies’s area, with Swiatek trying to win her first title on the clay-court event. She will even be out to seize a 3rd consecutive French Open title.

After a first-round bye, Swiatek meets Wang Xiyu or Ana Bogdan. Sabalenka performs Elisabetta Cocciaretto or Magda Linette within the second spherical.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis