(Tennis news) Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz was scheduled to play in the opening match of an ATP 500 event in Mexico this week but was forced to withdraw after picking up an injury in his 5-7 6-4 7-5 defeat to Cameron Norrie in Sunday’s Rio Open final. The 19 year old experienced pain in his movement and serve in the final and now faces a race against time to be fit for the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, which is the first ATP 1000 event of the year.  

Alcaraz wrote a message on Twitter that said “I have a grade 1 strain in my right hamstring that will keep me out for several days, according to the tests we did this morning. I’m really sad I can’t compete here, but now it’s time to think about recovering and being ready as soon as possible. I hope to see you all soon!” The Spaniard spent three months on the sidelines due to abdominal and hamstring issues but made a fantastic resurgence at the Rio Open despite losing in the final. At the Rio Open, Alcaraz needed treatment for a left leg problem in the semi final and went on to injure his right leg in the final. 

Cameron Norrie also pulled out of the tournament in Mexico after saying that he needed to rest after reaching the final in back-to-back events. The British number 1 player leads the ATP Tour with 18 victories and is scheduled to return to action at the Indian Wells hardcourt event beginning next week. “Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from Acapulco,” Norrie said on his Instagram story. “It’s one of my favourite tournaments, so it’s really tough for me to withdraw.” 

Also read: Novak Djokovic defeated Tomas Machac in Dubai Tennis Championships