One less competitor for Djokovic. World No. 1 Alcaraz to miss Australian Open due to injury

The youngest world number one in history, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz lost the end of last season due to injury. But his health problems have not left him and now he had to cancel his participation in the first Grand Slam of the season.

He flew into last season like a comet. He won 5 titles and his victory at the US Open catapulted him to the top of the ATP rankings. He became the youngest player ever to do so.

But Alcaraz was slowed down by an injury he sustained at the Paris Masters in November. After that, he still managed to play two matches at the Abu Dhabi exibition, where he lost both events.

During the winter break he tried his best to make a third appearance at the Australian Open. Unfortunately, he injured his right leg during one of his moves during training.

“I’ve been working hard to get in the best shape I can and it’s a tough moment for me. But I have to be optimistic, get better and look forward. Australian Open, see you in 2024,” the 19-year-old Spaniard described his feelings.

So there is a big chance that Alcaraz will lose his world number one position after the tournament. In addition to Rafael Nadal, the defending champion from last year, Novak Djokovic will also be in contention for the Australian Open.

After visa problems and refusal of vaccinations, he was not allowed to participate in this tournament last year and was even deported from Australia.

But now the nine-time winner of this Grand Slam is back in action and will be looking to build on the great form he brought with him to Australia.

Indeed, the last time Djokovic managed to win one of the preliminary tournaments in Adelaide, he equalled another legend, Rafael Nadal, in the number of titles he won.

Sources: ATP, Twitter