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US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from this week’s ATP 500 event in Acapulco with a strained hamstring, while British No.1 Cameron Norrie has also withdrawn.
Alcaraz, who was scheduled to play in his opening match on Tuesday, suffered the injury in his 5-7 6-4 7-5 loss to Norrie in Sunday’s Rio Open final.
The Spaniard was hampered by soreness in his movements and serving in the defeat, Alcaraz is now looking forward to next week’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells – the first ATP Tour 1000 event of the year.
“I have a grade 1 strain in my right hamstring that will keep me out for several days, according to the tests I did this morning,” Alcaraz wrote on Twitter.
“I’m very sad that I can’t compete here, but now it’s time to think about my recovery and get ready as soon as possible. I hope to see you all!”
After spending more than three months out with stomach and hamstring injuries, Alcaraz enjoyed another win when he defeated Norrie in the final of February’s ATP 250 event in Buenos Aires.
At the Rio Open, the 19-year-old needed treatment for a left leg problem during the semifinals and then injured the other leg in his match against Norrie in the final.
Norrie also withdrew from the tournament in Mexico, saying he needed a break after reaching the finals in back-to-back events.
The Englishman, who leads the ATP Tour in match wins this season with 18, is scheduled to return to the Indian Wells hardcourt event from next week.
“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from Acapulco,” Norrie said in an Instagram story. “It’s one of my favorite tournaments, so it’s really hard for me to step down.”
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Cameron Norrie responded with a massive Rio Open title win over Carlos Alcaraz to record his fifth career ATP Tour honor
Djokovic expects to fight for the number 1 in 2023
Novak Djokovic says his return to the world’s top ranking is a huge achievement after a turbulent year that saw him miss several tournaments including two Grand Slams, but the Serbian hopes to fight for that position in 2023.
Djokovic missed the 2022 Australian Open and was deported from the country for not being vaccinated against Covid-19 before returning this year to claim a record-breaking 10th title at Melbourne Park and a 22nd major to claim world No.1.
The 35-year-old was forced to pull out of major tournaments in the United States last year, including the US Open, because he was denied entry into the country because he refused to be vaccinated, while Djokovic was also denied the points to win Wimbledon. title because the Grand Slam was punished for its decision to ban players from Russia and Belarus.
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Novak Djokovic equaled Steffi Graf’s record for most weeks at number one, entering his 377th week at the top spot. He also talked about wanting to participate in two ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, despite not having been vaccinated.
“I think this is the point where at least I have been number one. It happened,” said Djokovic on Tuesday. “Not only because of my situation not playing some Grand Slams and everything that happened last year, but also other players, some players lost some slams due to injuries, some did not have the greatest consistency.
“I think that makes the achievement even bigger, at least in the team and in my eyes. I’m overwhelmed with pride. I work as hard as everyone else. I’m really committed to the sport. And I try.”
Djokovic has now entered his 378th week as world No.1, surpassing Steffi Graf’s record for the top number of weeks in the sport, although he expects younger players like Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas to catch up to him.
“These guys are playing at a high level,” Djokovic said. “He plays a lot of tournaments. I don’t play as many and don’t plan on playing as many weeks as he does. Eventually he’ll take number one, and then I’ll bring it back, and then he’ll take it back. We’ll go around.”
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