Injured No.1 Carlos Alcaraz and Venus Williams to miss Australian Open

Carlos Alcaraz

US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz said on Friday he will miss the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season, after injuring his right leg in training. "I picked up an injury through a chance, unnatural movement in training," the Spaniard, 19, tweeted.

"I'd worked so hard to get to my best level for Australia but unfortunately I won't be able to play," the world's top-ranked player added. "It's tough, but I have to be optimistic, recover and look forward. We'll see you at the Australian Open in 2024."

Alcaraz's withdrawal means defending champion, 22-time major winner and fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal will be promoted to top seed at the Australian Open which starts in Melbourne on January 16. Novak Djokovic, the nine-time champion and a 21-time Grand Slam title winner, will move into the top four seedings. That will mean he cannot face old rival Nadal until the semi-finals at the earliest.

Meanwhile, Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open for an undisclosed injury she sustained while playing in Auckland, New Zealand.

Also Read: Carlos Alcaraz clinches US Open 2022 title with four-set victory over Casper Ruud

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