On April 22, 2025, the tennis world was struck with a devastating blow as Carlos Alcaraz, the 21-year-old Spanish sensation and World No. 2, announced his withdrawal from the Madrid Open, a tournament he has won twice in the past three years. The young star, who has captivated fans with his explosive playing style and infectious charisma, shared the heartbreaking news via a tearful Instagram video, revealing that a deeply personal reason has forced him to step back from the competition. The announcement has left the tennis community in shock, with fans across the globe shedding tears and uniting in prayer for their beloved champion, who now faces an emotional challenge far greater than any opponent on the court.

Alcaraz, hailing from Murcia, Spain, has been a dominant force in men’s tennis since his breakthrough in 2022, when he became the youngest male player to reach the No. 1 ranking since Rafael Nadal in 2005. With four Grand Slam titles under his belt—including the 2022 US Open, 2023 Wimbledon, and a French Open-Wimbledon double in 2024—he has solidified his status as the leader of the sport’s next generation [Web ID: 14] [Web ID: 18]. The Madrid Open, held in his home country, has always been a special event for Alcaraz. He clinched the title in 2022 and 2023, defeating legends like Nadal and Djokovic en route to victory, and was widely expected to defend his crown this year after a strong start to the 2025 season, including a title win at Indian Wells and a runner-up finish at the Monte Carlo Masters just last week.

In his Instagram video, Alcaraz’s voice trembled as he addressed his fans, his eyes visibly red from crying. “I’m so sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play in Madrid this year,” he began, pausing to wipe away tears. “Something very personal and heartbreaking has happened in my family, and I need to be with them right now. Tennis is my life, but family comes first. I hope you understand, and I promise I’ll be back stronger.” He concluded the video by blowing a kiss to the camera and whispering, “Thank you for your support—I love you all.” The raw emotion in his words struck a chord with his 15 million followers, many of whom immediately flooded the comments with messages of love and prayers.

Sources close to Alcaraz later revealed that the devastating reason behind his withdrawal is the sudden passing of his maternal grandmother, María González, who suffered a massive stroke on April 20, 2025. María, 78, had been a cornerstone in Alcaraz’s life, often traveling to his tournaments to cheer him on alongside his parents. Alcaraz has spoken fondly of her in the past, crediting her for teaching him the values of humility and perseverance that have shaped his career. In a 2023 interview with El País, he shared, “My abuela is my biggest fan. She always tells me to keep my feet on the ground, no matter how high I climb.” The loss has reportedly left Alcaraz and his family in a state of profound grief, with the young star choosing to return to Murcia to mourn with his loved ones.

The tennis community has rallied around Alcaraz in the wake of his announcement. Fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who has been a mentor to Alcaraz, posted on X, “Carlitos, my heart breaks for you and your family. We’re all with you during this difficult time. Te amo.” Jannik Sinner, the current World No. 1 and Alcaraz’s frequent rival, wrote on Instagram, “Sending all my love to Carlos and his family. Stay strong, brother.” Fans, too, have shown an outpouring of support, with the hashtag #PrayForAlcaraz trending globally. “I’m crying for Carlos—he doesn’t deserve this pain,” one fan wrote. “His grandmother was his rock. We’re praying for you, champ.” Another shared, “Madrid won’t be the same without Carlos, but family comes first. We love you!”

Alcaraz’s withdrawal marks a significant moment in his meteoric career, as it’s the first time he has pulled out of a major tournament for personal reasons. The Madrid Open, which begins on April 24, 2025, will now proceed without one of its biggest draws, leaving a void in the draw and in the hearts of Spanish fans who were eager to see their hometown hero compete. Tournament director Feliciano López issued a statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened by Carlos’ absence, but we fully support his decision to be with his family. We wish him strength and send our condolences.”

As Alcaraz takes time to grieve, the tennis world waits with bated breath for his return. Known for his resilience—evident in his comeback from a two-set deficit to win the 2024 French Open final against Alexander Zverev—Alcaraz has faced challenges before, but this personal loss is undoubtedly his toughest yet [Web ID: 14]. For now, the focus is on healing, as fans continue to pray for their star, hoping that the love and support of the global tennis community can provide some solace during this heartbreaking time.