The Mutua Madrid Open is the next big tournament on clay, and tennis fans can barely contain their excitement. Unfortunately for many, Novak Djokovic has dropped out of the Spanish clay Masters, continuing his absence since 2022. While the Djoker is absent, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Paula Badosa are here to more than make up for the hole left by the Serbinator.

The local heroes aim to make an impact but they are already facing a challenge. Two have experienced problematic injuries in the last month, which can threaten their stint in the Bear and the Strawberry Tree and one has withdrawn from the Madrid Open.

Rafael Nadal

Nadal is likely the most worrisome on this list. The Spaniard returned after a year-long hiatus in the Brisbane International. The King of Clay lost to Jordan Thompson in the quarterfinal and later revealed he suffered a micro-tear. It was followed by a withdrawal from all tournaments after the Brisbane International, including the Australian Open.

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After recovering for a few weeks, Rafa played in the Netflix Slam against Alcaraz and won in three sets, showing he was ready for the Indian Wells. After the exhibition, he would pull out from the BNP Paribas Open, the Miami Open, and the Monte-Carlo Masters, as abdominal issues caused him pain while serving. Rafa finally returned to Barcelona, where he won against Flavio Cobolli 6-2, 6-3, but lost to Alex De Minaur in the following match 7-5, 6-1.

As of now, Rafa is not suffering from any issue that could cause him to drop out of the Madrid Open. However, if he wins his first-round clash, he will likely face Minaur once again in the round of 64. Winning the title might be a stretch for him, but the King of Clay can certainly get a few wins under his belt to boost his confidence further.

Carlos Alcaraz

The two-time defending champion has shown he is ready to get serious about winning the Madrid Open for the third time. Unfortunately, his health does not seem to be on his side. The young Spaniard had to withdraw from the Monte-Carlo Masters as he was set to play Felix Auger-Aliassime. He cited a right arm injury that impeded him from hitting forehands properly.

The injury would show its ugly face again a week later as Alcaraz had to withdraw from the Barcelona Open as well. Now in Madrid, Alcaraz was seen training on the dirt, but all is not well. The Indian Wells champion was seen training with caution as he seemed hesitant to push his forehand. Additionally, he wore support for his right arm, hoping to dampen the shock faced by his forearm. 

As of now, Alcaraz has not announced any other news about his health. His athleticism and power will declare his state in the round of 64.   

Paula Badosa

Another local favorite, Badosa has been struggling with injuries for a long while now. The Spanish beauty began her bout with injuries in 2023 and has not caught a break. Badosa competed against her close friend, Aryna Sabalenka, in the Stuttgart Open for a spot in the quarterfinals. In an unexpected turn of events, the Spanish tennis star was forced to retire due to a left leg injury.

In a recent podcast experience, she described the treatments applied to her, “We tried these injections, cortisone and they said, this is the only option we can give you. And maybe you will have to keep doing that, if you want to like play for a few more years.” Her injury is under control at the moment and as things stand, she will be looking to compete in the ongoing Madrid Open. Clearly a home favorite, she will be looking to add glory to her name after all the downfalls she has gone through.

She is optimistic about her future and looks to regain her former top 10 ranking, but it will not be an easy task for her.  The three Spanish favorites have all worried the local crowd. While Alcaraz, Nadal, and Badosa look to regain their best forms, it will be exciting to see who among the three makes their way the farthest into the event. What are your thoughts on this? Do let us know in the comments below!