Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of next week’s Davis Cup group stage after crashing out of the US Open. The defending champion in Flushing Meadows, the top seed suffered a four-set defeat to Daniil Medvedev in Friday’s semi-final. And he has now withdrawn from Spain’s squad after blaming the “demanding” tennis schedule.
Alcaraz suffered his first loss to Medvedev this season, previously defeating the world No 3 in straight sets in both the Indian Wells final and the Wimbledon semi-final. The 27-year-old said that he played at a “12 out of 10” to get a 7-6(3) 6-1 3-6 6-3 win.
Shortly after his exit from the US Open, the 20-year-old announced that he was pulling out of next week’s Davis Cup group stage. He was set to represent Spain in Group C, with their ties held on home soil in Valencia.
“I was very excited to play for Spain in Davis in Valencia, but I have to listen to my body after a very long tour,” the two-time Grand Slam champion wrote on Instagram. “I need to stop and rest, physically and mentally.”
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Alcaraz also admitted that his schedule was “demanding” as he wanted to rest up for the rest of the season – which includes two more Masters 1000s in Shanghai and Paris, as well as the ATP Finals. He added: “The schedule is very demanding, there is still a lot of season left, and now it is time to recharge. Good luck to the Spanish team! I’ll be rooting for you with strength! Let’s go!”
Fans were looking forward to the group matches at the Davis Cup, as Spain had been drawn in the same section as Serbia, with Novak Djokovic set to represent his nation. It meant that another meeting between the world No 1 and 2 was on the cards. However, with Djokovic through to the US Open final he could also re-evaluate his schedule as it would be a quick turnaround to head straight to Valencia for the group stage.
The Czech Republic and the Republic of Korea are also in Group C. The top two teams will reach the Finals week, taking place in Malaga from November 21 to 26. Albert Ramos-Vinolas will take Alcaraz’s place in the team.
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There is still hope that Alcaraz could represent Spain if they reach to the Finals as one of the final eight teams. Rafael Nadal also previously claimed that he could make his return to competition at the Davis Cup Finals stage, as he has not played a match since January due to injury.
The 37-year-old is yet to provide further updates since undergoing surgery in June. But earlier this week, Spain’s team captain David Ferrer said: “Rafa is the best in the history of our country and one of the best ever. And Carlos is on his way to being one of them. I would love to have and live the opportunity to have both of them [on the team].”
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