Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz to miss Monte Carlo Masters through injury

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Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz to miss Monte Carlo Masters through injury
Updated
Nadal hasn't played since the Australian Open
Nadal hasn't played since the Australian Open
Reuters
Rafael Nadal (36) has postponed his return from injury, announcing that he's still not fully fit and is pulling out of the Monte Carlo Masters as a result.

Nadal hasn't played since being knocked out in the second round of the Australian Open by Mackenzie McDonald (27) in late January. 

Shortly after that match, it was revealed that he'd torn his iliopsoas muscle in Melbourne and would be out for around two months as a result, missing a number of major tournaments including the sunshine double in the USA.

His initial plan was to return to action at the start of the clay season and that plan looked to be on track when it was reported that he'd be competing in the Monte Carlo Masters, but he's now confirmed that he won't be able to do so.

"I am still not ready to compete at the highest level. I will not be able to play in one of the most important tournaments of my career, Monte Carlo," he said in a statement.

"I am not yet in a position to play with the maximum guarantees and I (will) continue my preparation process, hoping to return soon."

Nadal has won the tournament in Monte Carlo 11 times, more than any other player, and has dominated on clay throughout his career, also claiming 14 French Open titles.

Given his ongoing fitness issues though, it's looking less and less likely that he'll be able to add to that tally at Roland Garros this year.

Monte Carlo miss for Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz (19), who had an injury-plagued start to the season, will also miss the tournament. The teenager was last in action last week at the Miami Open, where he was beaten in the semi-final by Italian Jannik Sinner (21).

"After two months of competing, I am happy to be back home but sad that I finished my semi-final match in Miami with discomfort," the US Open champion said in a post on social media.

"After visiting my doctor today... and being evaluated, I won't be able to go to Monte Carlo to start the clay court tour.

"I have post-traumatic arthritis in my left hand and muscle discomfort in my spine that needs rest to cope with all that is to come."

Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime (22), ranked seventh in the world, has also pulled out of the tournament, explaining he has been struggling with a left knee issue.

"(I) decided it was the smartest decision to take some time off so I'm able to fully heal and recover before my next tournament at the Madrid Open," Auger-Aliassime wrote on Instagram.

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