Injured Alcaraz & Djokovic pull out of Madrid Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are ranked second and fourth respectively Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have withdrawn from next week's Madrid Open as their clay-court preparations for next month's French Open continue to be disrupted by injury. World number two Alcaraz is struggling with a wrist problem and the 22-year-old Spaniard was forced to pull out of this week's Barcelona Open with the issue. Alcaraz said delivering the news he was unable to participate in the tournament in Madrid, which is due to start on 21 April, was "incredibly difficult".

"Madrid is home, one of the most special places on the calendar for me, and that's why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row," the seven-time Grand Slam winner said in an Instagram post. "It hurts especially not to be able to be in front of my fans, in a tournament that's so special to me. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope to see you soon.

" Alcaraz is facing a race to be match-ready for the French Open, which he is bidding to win for a third consecutive time. The tournament at Roland Garros takes place from 18 May to 7 June. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, has not played since he was beaten by Jack Draper in the fourth round at Indian Wells last month.

The 38-year-old Serbian skipped Masters 1000 events in Miami and Monte Carlo with a shoulder injury and is not yet fit to return to action. "Madrid, unfortunately I won't be able to compete this year. I'm continuing my recovery in order to be back soon," he said on Instagram.