Home-crowd favorite Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Madrid Open on Thursday because of muscle injuries, saying he didn't want to risk making things worse before the French Open. The third-ranked Spaniard blamed his injuries on the “really tight" schedule that is part of the “demanding sport” of tennis.

MADRID, SPAIN — Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Madrid Open after sustaining an injury to his right adductor muscle, as well as an injury in his left hamstring. Alcaraz confirmed his withdrawal during a news conference in Madrid, in which he said that he hoped to be fit for the Italian Open in Rome, which begins May 7.

Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Madrid Open on Thursday after the second seed said he was struggling with hamstring and groin injuries as the 21-year-old takes a break to recover for his French Open title defence next month.