Tennis Roundup: Alcaraz Fitness Concerns Mount as Sinner and Swiatek Headline Madrid Open Preparations

Get the latest on Carlos Alcaraz's injury status, Boris Becker's take on Jannik Sinner, and Iga Swiatek's training with Rafael Nadal in our tennis roundup.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 3:56 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Alcaraz Faces Decisive Medical Evaluation

The primary narrative of the European clay-court season remains centered on the right wrist of Carlos Alcaraz. Following his acceptance of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, the 22-year-old Spaniard clarified that he is prioritizing long-term physical integrity over a rushed defense of his Roland Garros title. Alcaraz is currently awaiting the results of a diagnostic scan that will determine the next steps in his rehabilitation. He emphasized that forcing a return in Paris while not fully fit could result in substantial harm to his future career prospects, a sentiment echoed by veteran coach Toni Nadal, who suggested Alcaraz seems increasingly likely to bypass the second Grand Slam of the year.

Becker Likens Sinner to a Modern-Day Djokovic

As the Madrid Open commences, legendary champion Boris Becker has offered a glowing assessment of Jannik Sinner’s current trajectory. Becker described the Italian as "from another planet," noting that his baseline consistency and clinical match management mirror the peak years of Novak Djokovic. Sinner enters the tournament as the heavy favorite, particularly given the absence of his primary rival, Alcaraz. Currently holding the world number one ranking, Sinner is aiming to maintain a 17-match winning streak and become the first male player to secure the opening four Masters 1000 titles of a single season.

Swiatek Navigates Nerves During Nadal Mentorship

On the women’s side, world number four Iga Swiatek has revealed the psychological pressure of practicing under the watchful eye of her idol, Rafael Nadal. During a recent training block at the Rafa Nadal Academy, the six-time Grand Slam winner admitted to feeling an initial "tightness" as she adjusted to having the legendary Spaniard on the court. Despite the early nerves, Swiatek utilized the session to refine her transition from hard courts to clay, receiving tactical stories and technical advice from Nadal that she believes was instrumental in her preparation for the Madrid draw.