Carlos Alcaraz has been receiving the short end of the stick lately. Just days ago, the Spaniard was handed a shock defeat by Jannik Sinner at the Nitto ATP Finals. Yet, fans had something to look forward to: The Davis Cup Finals. However, as fate would have it, Alcaraz’s luck seems to have run out on that front as well.

Ahead of Thursday’s match between Spain and the Czech Republic in the quarter-finals, Alcaraz informed,

in Bologna, Italy on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the tournament on social media. He wrote, “[Translated from Spanish] I’m very sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play for Spain in the Davis Cup in Bologna… 🥲 I have an edema in the hamstring of my right leg, and the medical recommendation is not to compete. I’ve always said that playing for Spain is the greatest honor there is, and I was really looking forward to helping fight for the trophy. I’m heading home feeling heartbroken…” Yikes.

So what happened? Alcaraz injured himself in the first set of the ATP Finals final against Jannik Sinner on Sunday. He didn’t give up. He continued playing after receiving medical attention. He even played the second set with his thigh wrapped up. He lost the match to Sinner, 7-6, 7-5. Still, he hoped to play for Spain in the team event.

It’s a hard pill to swallow for him. Carlos Alcaraz made his Davis Cup debut in 2022 and quickly became a key piece for Spain, posting a 6-2 overall record, including 5-1 in singles. Last year, he teamed up with his idol Rafael Nadal in the farewell match of the 14-time French Open champion. Nadal lost his singles match to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4. Alcaraz hit back with a win over Tallon Griekspoor to level the tie. But the Dutch finished the job in doubles, edging out Alcaraz and Marcel Granollers 7-6, 7-6, and knocking Spain out of the tournament.

After traveling from Turin to Bologna by van on Monday, Alcaraz underwent an MRI to check the damage. Spanish radio show El Partidazo de Cope reported the injury is serious enough to risk his health if he competes without full recovery. More tests this week will give a clearer picture of his condition.

If he can’t play, Spain will turn to Jaume Munar and Pablo Carreño Busta to lead the singles charge at the Davis Cup. The team, captained by David Ferrer, also includes Pedro Martinez and doubles specialist Marcel Granollers. They face a tough quarterfinal showdown against Czechia on Thursday in Bologna, with the winner moving on to meet either Argentina or Germany in the semis.

While he sits out the event, recovery becomes his only mission before December exhibitions and the new season, just a month away. Alcaraz is already eager for 2026 after a stellar year filled with titles and challenging his rival!

Carlos Alcaraz vows to be ready for his rival in 2026

On Sunday, Jannik Sinner delivered a knockout performance to defeat Alcaraz 7-6(4), 7-5 to claim the ATP Finals title in Turin! This marked the sixth thrilling encounter between the two rivals this season, with their overall head-to-head now standing at 10-6 in Alcaraz’s favor. From the Italian Open to this final showdown, their rivalry was the main attraction of 2025, culminating in three Grand Slam and two Masters 1000 finals! Though Alcaraz secured the coveted Year-End No. 1 ranking, a title he dramatically snatched from Sinner at the US Open. But in the end, it turned into a win-win as the Spaniard walked away with his YE No.1 trophy, while Sinner held the ATP Finals Cup.

Now, the intensity of their rivalry was already ramping up for 2026! During the trophy ceremony, a focused Carlos Alcaraz looked directly at Sinner and issued a subtle challenge that promised more fireworks:

“I want to say like it is a great year for you …You know, it’s time to rest. Hope you you’re gonna be ready for next year because I will be ready. Hopefully play more finals against you. So well-deserved year and well-deserved trophy.” Despite the fierce on-court battles, the two maintain a palpable respect and friendship.

Sinner responded with genuinely heartfelt admiration, sharing: “You’re a player I look up to. A lot of motivation. I need this, you know? Every practice session with a big, big purpose, and we are all very happy. The whole fanbase is very happy to see you play.”

The ATP Finals felt like the perfect curtain call for the season, but Alcaraz still had one more mission at the Davis Cup. Sinner, who is skipping the event, made sure to wish his rival/friend well: “I wish you the best of luck. I know you have one more tournament to go; best of luck with that,” He concluded. Although now that won’t be happening.

While both tennis stars have officially wrapped up their individual seasons, the big question is already brewing: how will they return for 2026? The Australian Open looms large and could very well be Carlos Alcaraz’s first tournament! It’s the only Major standing between him and a career Grand Slam. Will the Spaniard finally break through in Melbourne and complete the set?