Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka withdraw from Italian Open

Posted May 09, 2022 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, celebrates after winning the final match against Alexander Zverev, of Germany, at the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, May 8, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul White) The Associated Press

ROME (AP) - Fresh off his victory at the Madrid Open, Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Italian Open on Monday because of a right ankle injury.

Later, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the women's tournament with a left Achilles heel injury.

The 19-year-old Alcaraz beat Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic back-to-back in Madrid then defeated Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final for his tour-leading fourth title of the year.

Alcaraz hurt his ankle during the quarterfinal win over Nadal.

Rome organizers said Alcaraz's place in the Rome draw would be taken by Finnish player Emil Ruusuvuori, who will open against Cristian Garin in the second round. Alcaraz, who was seeded seventh at the Foro Italico, had a first-round bye.

Alcaraz will be chasing his first Grand Slam title at the French Open, which starts in less than two weeks.

Osaka injured herself in her first-round win over Anastasia Potapova at the Madrid Open 10 days ago and she said she 'œhasn't healed yet.'ť

'œI need to be careful, especially in advance of Roland Garros,'ť Osaka said.

Osaka was slated to open against Sara Sorribes Tormo, the Spaniard she lost to in the second round in Madrid.

Osaka will be replaced in the draw by Nuria Parrizas Diaz.

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Naomi Osaka, of Japan, listens to her coach Wim Fissette during a training session on the occasion of the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Friday, May 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The Associated Press

Naomi Osaka, of Japan, kicks the ball during a training session on the occasion of the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Friday, May 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The Associated Press

Naomi Osaka, of Japan, is flanked by her coach Wim Fissette during a training session on the occasion of the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Friday, May 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) The Associated Press

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