“Come back stronger,” Heartbroken fans on social media wish Carlos Alcaraz a speedy recovery as he withdraws from the 2023 Australian Open
Sebastian Wright
Updated on March 31, 2026
Spanish youngster Carlos Alcaraz could not have imagined the worst possible start of the 2023 season. The World No. 1 suffered an untimely leg injury that forced him to pull out of the Australian Open scheduled to start in just over a week. The news has broken the hearts of Alcaraz’s fans worldwide.
The 19-year-old was among the favorites to win the season’s first Grand Slam. With this unfortunate injury, Alcaraz will have to wait for another year to taste success Down Under. Alcaraz announced the news on social media revealing that he suffered an injury to his right leg during training.
“When I was at my best in the pre-season, I picked up an injury through a chance, unnatural movement in training. This time it’s the semi-membranosus muscle in my right leg,” Alcaraz wrote on Twitter.
I'd worked so hard to get to my best level for Australia but unfortunately I won't be able to play the Care A2+ Kooyong or the Australian Open. It's tough, but I have to be optimistic, recover and look forward. See you in 2024 @AustralianOpen ❤️
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) January 6, 2023
“I’d worked so hard to get to my best level for Australia but unfortunately I won’t be able to play the Care A2+ Kooyong or the Australian Open. It’s tough, but I have to be optimistic, recover and look forward. See you in 2024 @AustralianOpen,” Spaniard further added sounding dejected.
Related: Novak Djokovic wins his 100th match in Australia to accomplish a rare feat
The news of Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal from the 2023 Australian Open shocked everyone. All the Alcaraz’s fans were rooting for their champion to add another Grand Slam to his career at Melbourne Park. But the unfortunate leg injury dashed everyone’s hopes. Fans came to support Alcaraz on social media to wish him a speedy recovery.
“We love you, Carlos. Please heal quick.” one of the fans wrote.Some of them also saw it as a big loss for the Slam. While others pointed to the changes in the equations in the tournament. Here are some heartwarming tweets from the fans.
Big blow for First of Grand Slam in this year.
— 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕷𝖆𝖜𝖑𝖊𝖘𝖘 (@theIawless) January 6, 2023
Big Impact on the seedings/draw:
Tsitsipas can now pass Ruud for a top 2 seeding with a win tomorrow;
Djokovic is top 4 seed and won’t have to face Nadal (or Nadal to face him) before the semifinals.
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 6, 2023
Ugh massive loss. Could have definitely been right up there to win it
— catherine (@CathP82) January 7, 2023
So that will move nadal as top seed
— AndersJ (@Johansson85) January 6, 2023
The Grandslam curse for next-gen, striking again?
— Thejas Narayan (@HarishNarayan08) January 6, 2023
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Carlitos! 💙
— Western & Southern Open (@CincyTennis) January 6, 2023
We love you Carlos, please heal quick.
— Gaelen (@GaelenBet) January 6, 2023
Hope you recover soon Carlos you're still gonna have another great season I think and be very competitive. Rest up and go again.
— George Coles (@george_coless) January 6, 2023
Have a safe recovery Carlitos! You'll come back stronger 💪💪💪
— Lígia 🇧🇷🇮🇹🎾 (@LigiEspola) January 6, 2023
Speedy recovery! 🍀
— 🌊 & 🏔 ❤️🩹 (@untiedsneakers) January 6, 2023
The withdrawal of Alcaraz from the Australian Open upsets the equations of the tournament. The biggest impact will be that Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will avoid a potential quarter-final encounter. The fans were hoping for the top next-gen star to give a tough fight Down Under to 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal and a record 9-time Australian Open winner Djokovic. They may have to wait for another year now.
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