ATP Star Power Diminished for Madrid Masters as Djokovic and Alcaraz Confirm Withdrawals

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz withdraw from Madrid due to injury, while Toni Nadal dismisses Rafa coaching rumors and Raducanu confirms grass-court plans.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 3:33 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Injury Concerns Sidelinining the ATP’s Elite Tier in Madrid

The Madrid Masters organizers have been dealt a double blow with the exit of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz just one week before the tournament's commencement. Alcaraz’s decision follows a troubling appearance at the Barcelona Open, where medical scans revealed his wrist injury was "more serious" than initially anticipated. The six-time Grand Slam champion expressed profound disappointment on social media, noting the pain of missing his home event for the second consecutive year. Simultaneously, world number 1 Novak Djokovic has extended his tour hiatus, withdrawing from his third consecutive tournament since Indian Wells to continue an unspecified recovery process.

Toni Nadal Addresses Rafael Nadal’s Future and Coaching Rumors

Following sightings of Rafael Nadal courtside during Iga Swiatek’s practice sessions in Mallorca, Toni Nadal has formally addressed the speculation regarding a coaching transition for the retired legend. While the younger Nadal has been providing occasional advice to Swiatek—who is now working with his former long-term coach Francisco Roig—Toni Nadal insisted that a full-time coaching role is not in the cards. He stated that the 22-time major winner's life is currently "set up for other things," including business responsibilities and family life, following his professional retirement in late 2024.

Raducanu and Mboko Set to Headline Expanded Queen’s Club Event

Looking ahead to the grass-court swing, the HSBC Championships at Queen's Club has announced a high-profile lineup for its 2026 edition. British number 1 Emma Raducanu is set to return to the London venue where she reached the quarter-finals last season. Joining her is Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko, who will make her debut at the WTA 500 event. The tournament, which expanded to include a women's draw last year after a 50-year hiatus, is scheduled for June 8–14 and will serve as a critical preparation point for athletes moving toward Wimbledon.