Spanish tennis stars Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz announced this week that they will skip the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, one of the most anticipated events on the clay season calendar. The news comes as both players reassess their readiness to compete at the highest level and prioritize long-term health and peak form for the season ahead.
Nadal expressed that he does not yet feel able to compete at the pinnacle of the sport. He noted in a concise statement that he is still far from being able to play with maximum guarantees and remains focused on ongoing preparation with the aim of returning strong in future events.
“I’m not ready to compete at the very top yet,” Nadal said. The message underscored his commitment to gradual progress as he rehabilitates from recent challenges and works toward a timely return to major tours. The decision keeps him from Monte Carlo as well as potentially delaying his participation in other key clay-court fixtures planned for Rome and Madrid, in addition to Roland Garros, as he navigates a careful path back to full fitness.
— Rafael Nadal
The Balearic veteran continues a careful rehabilitation plan, aiming to rejoin competition when confidence in his physical condition is restored. While no exact timetable was provided for his comeback, he reiterated his intention to resume training and pursue a return that ensures lasting health and reliability on court.
Earlier in the season Nadal collected a team win in the early stages but also suffered losses against players such as Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur. His campaign so far included an Australian Open run that featured a first round win followed by a second round defeat, with the latter match highlighting the physical toll of high-intensity tennis on a demanding tour schedule.
Nadal remains the most successful player in the Monte Carlo Masters history with 11 titles, including a record streak of eight consecutive titles from 2005 to 2012. His absence marks the second consecutive year away from the event since his last appearance in 2022, when he exited in the quarterfinals to Andrey Rublev in 2021, and he has not returned to the principality club since that time.
Alcaraz also withdraws
Shortly after Nadal’s update, Carlos Alcaraz followed with his own announcement about missing the Monte Carlo Masters. The Murcian confirmed that a combination of medical issues and the need for rest would prevent him from competing in this clay Masters 1,000.
Alcaraz cited post-traumatic arthritis in his left hand and muscular discomfort along his spine as the main reasons for his decision. He emphasized that taking time off at this stage is essential to pursue a healthier return and to be fully prepared for future competitions, including the season’s flagship events. The message conveyed a determination to recharge and come back stronger on the hard work and preparation front for the next cycle of tournaments.
In his remarks, Alcaraz highlighted the importance of healing fully and ensuring his body is in the best possible condition for the months ahead. He also noted that his current status would prevent him from his usual high-impact performance on clay this spring, but he remains optimistic about making a decisive return later in the year.
The decision aligns with his recent form, in which he faced a challenging moment during the Miami semifinal clash, followed by a medical evaluation with specialists. After consulting with the medical team, the top-ranked teams found it prudent to step back from Monte Carlo as a precautionary measure while maintaining a strong commitment to the world’s No. 2 spot and the long-term trajectory of his career.
Historically, Alcaraz has made appearances in Monte Carlo, including a campaign in which he endured a early exit after a first-round match in 2022, underscoring the unpredictable nature of clay-season results and the endurance required to excel at this level. His current stance reflects a thoughtful balance between immediate clay-season ambitions and sustainable health for the weeks and months ahead.