Tennis Sensation Carlos Alcaraz Withdraws from Dubai Championships Due to Ankle Injury

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from this week Dubai Tennis Championships due to a persistent ankle injury, dealing a significant blow to the prestigious ATP 500 event and raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the crucial American hard court swing.

The 22-year-old Spanish superstar, who was scheduled to be the top seed in Dubai following Novak Djokovic absence, made the decision after consulting with his medical team. Alcaraz sustained the injury during training last week and had hoped rest would allow him to compete, but scans revealed minor ligament inflammation that requires additional recovery time.

In a statement released through the tournament, Alcaraz expressed his disappointment: I was really looking forward to playing in Dubai, especially after the great support I received from the fans last year. Unfortunately, my ankle hasn not responded to treatment as quickly as we hoped, and the medical team has advised against risking further injury.

The withdrawal marks the second time this season that injury concerns have disrupted Alcaraz schedule, following a minor back issue that forced him to retire from his Australian Open quarterfinal against Alexander Zverev last month. The pattern has raised questions about the young star physical conditioning and training regimen as he navigates the demands of being a top-ranked player.

Dubai tournament director Salah Tahlak acknowledged the disappointment while wishing Alcaraz a speedy recovery. Carlos absence is certainly felt by our tournament and the fans who were eagerly anticipating his return, Tahlak said. We understand that player health must come first, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he fully recovered.

The withdrawal opens up the draw significantly, with Daniil Medvedev now expected to become the top seed. The Russian, who reached the Australian Open final last month, will be looking to capture his first Dubai title and continue building momentum ahead of the Indian Wells Masters in March.

Alcaraz team has indicated that the ankle injury is not severe and that they expect him to return to competition within two weeks. However, his participation in the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, scheduled to begin March 6th, now carries a question mark.

The young Spaniard stunning rise to the top of tennis has been accompanied by physical challenges as his body adapts to the grueling professional circuit. With the clay court season approaching, Alcaraz and his team will be eager to ensure his ankle is fully healed before he defends significant ranking points from his breakthrough 2025 season.