Injured Alcaraz and Nadal at Madrid Open, Djokovic Absent

Carlos Alcaraz returns from injury aiming for a third consecutive Madrid Open title this week, joining Rafael Nadal in Monday’s draw while top-ranked Novak Djokovic is absent.

Alcaraz, recovering from a right arm injury, will compete in his first European clay-court event of the season after skipping Monte Carlo and Barcelona. The 20-year-old Spaniard starts his title defense against Alexander Shevchenko or Arthur Rinderknech.

Nadal, a five-time champion in Madrid, continues his injury comeback against American wild-card Darwin Blanch in the first round. He could face 10th-seed Alex de Minaur in the next round after losing to him in Barcelona last week.

Djokovic, a three-time Madrid champion, will miss the tournament for the second year, limiting his clay-court preparations ahead of the French Open. He’s likely to participate in the Italian Open in mid-May before Roland Garros.

Top-seeded Jannik Sinner, who defeated Djokovic in the Australian Open final, begins his Madrid campaign against Lorenzo Sonego or a qualifier. Casper Ruud, Barcelona champion, faces Zhizhen Zhang or Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round.

In the women’s field, top-ranked Iga Swiatek and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka lead the lineup. Swiatek aims for her first title at the clay-court tournament and looks to secure a third consecutive French Open title. Sabalenka plays Elisabetta Cocciaretto or Magda Linette in the second round after a first-round bye.