World No. 1 tennis star Carlos Alcaraz announced on social media that he will skip the Australian Open due to injury. He is sidelined by a strain to the semimembranosus muscle in his right leg.
In his post, Alcaraz explained that an accidental, forced movement during training disrupted what had been a strong preseason. He had aimed to bring peak form to Australia, but the setback prevented him from competing in the opening Grand Slam of the year.
He wrote, I was in top condition during preseason, but an accidental move during training affected the semimembranosus in my right leg. I trained hard to reach my best level in Australia, but I will be watching from home this time. See you in 2024 (in Australia). [citation: official social post, January 2023]
Alcaraz added that missing Care A2+ Kooyong and the Australian Open is a difficult moment, yet he remains hopeful for a quick recovery and a strong return next season. The world No. 1 emphasized his determination to come back fully fit and ready to compete again, with plans to continue his momentum once fully recovered.
In late 2022, Alcaraz concluded the year with five titles, including his first Grand Slam victory at the US Open. The Spaniard had been preparing for Melbourne Park with the aim of adding a second major to his collection. After advancing through a preliminary round in one edition, he ultimately exited in the early rounds of the tournament, a setback that followed a year in which he demonstrated remarkable consistency and success. [citation: 2022 season recap]
Reflecting on his 2022 campaign, Alcaraz also faced Matteo Berrettini in a high-profile matchup in the previous season, a result that highlighted the high level of competition at the tour’s top events. The injury absence from Melbourne Park marks a pause in a year that had showcased his rapid ascent in men’s tennis and underscored the challenges players face with form, fitness, and schedule. [citation: post-season summaries]