Carlos Alcaraz 'proper gutted' after confirming Davis Cup Finals withdrawal but signs up for 2026 Laver Cup

Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Davis Cup Finals officially after releasing a statement which was published on Tuesday albeit he will play another team event next year after signing up for the Laver Cup.

The World No.1 had been a doubt for the team event since appearing to hurt his hamstring while playing against Jannik Sinner in the title match at the ATP Finals on Sunday. Alcaraz had the issue during the opening set but he managed to plow through and complete the match.

He said it had no impact on the outcome but he still seeked a second opinion from the team doctor before the Davis Cup Finals. He had already flown to Bologna and set out his stall to do practice and then decide but the MRI came back with bad news.

He is suffering from a muscle oedema (also known as swelling) in his right hamstring and he has been advised to rest by doctors. Alcaraz who made his Davis Cup debut in 2022 was hoping to win the tournament for the first time in his career. He participated in the finals last year with the spotlight firmly on Rafael Nadal as the last event before he retired.

But this year the spotlight was also on him with Jannik Sinner deciding not to play leaving him as the biggest name in situ. But he has now taken the decision to pull out. It brings to a close a season which has seen him win eight ATP titles with a win-loss record of 71-9. Two of those wins were at the French Open and Wimbledon. As a result he ended it as Year End No.1.

“I’m absolutely gutted to announce that I won’t be able to play with Spain in the Davis Cup in Bologna,” Alcaraz said in a statement posted on Tuesday.

“I’ve got an oedema in the hamstring of my right leg and the medical advice is not to compete. I’ve always said that playing for Spain is the greatest honour there is and I was dead excited about the chance to help fight for the Davis Cup.“I’m heading home feeling proper gutted.”

But just an hour after he withdrew, he was confirmed for the Laver Cup next year. The World No.1 will represent Team Europe at the O2 Arena in London next year. He was confirmed alongside Taylor Fritz.

“To play at The O2 in London is going to be amazing. Having the chance to be in a team with players that normally I’m fighting against during the year is really unique and what makes me keep wanting to play Laver Cup every year. Hopefully we’ll have the crowd behind us and I’m really motivated to help Team Europe win the Laver Cup back.”

Europe captain Yannick Noah added: “Carlos brings unique talent, passion and confidence that lifts everyone around him. He is committed to his teammates and has an intense desire to win. I am excited to have him back.”