Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Madrid Open on Thursday because of a groin injury, shifting his focus to taking the court in Rome and then returning to defend his French Open title.

Ranked No. 3 in the world, Alcaraz underwent tests to determine the severity of hamstring and groin injuries incurred in the second set of the Barcelona Open final on Sunday. The ATP Tour classified the injury as a right adductor muscle strain.

“In the Barcelona final I felt something in the left hamstring, I didn’t think that it was that serious,” the Spaniard said Thursday. “I’m really disappointed that I’m not able to play here in Madrid.”

“My plan is going to Rome. My mindset is to do everything it takes to be 100 percent for Rome. I will do some tests at the beginning of next week just to see how it’s improved and from that let’s see how it’s going to be the next days,” said Alcaraz, who is 24-5 this season. “My hope is to play in Rome. If not, the next tournament is Roland Garros for me. So I will try to be on court as soon as possible.”

The event in Rome, one of three ATP Masters 1000 events on clay, is scheduled to begin May 7. First-round play in the men’s singles at the French Open starts May 25.

Alcaraz, 21, is a two-time winner at Madrid but said he hasn’t been able to practice this week, and while it was “difficult to decide,” he opted to listen to his body.

He said in an Instagram post to fans he would not be fit enough to take the court in Madrid, opting for rest to be back to full strength for the French Open.

“I just wanted to say that it’s a real shame for me not to be able to play here in Madrid. The support I get here is incredible — truly indescribable. All the people who come to the tournament, the locals from Madrid, and those who travel from afar to cheer me on. I’m deeply grateful — it’s a unique kind of energy.

“I look forward all year to coming here to Madrid and playing in front of you, to making you enjoy my tennis, but this year it wasn’t possible. Still, I wanted to take this moment to thank you for the support, for the encouragement. Just know that I hear you, I read so many of your messages, and we’ll come back stronger. I’ll be back here in Madrid very soon.”

During the second set of the final against Holger Rune of Denmark at Barcelona, Alcaraz left the court to receive treatment. He came back to finish the match but lost 7-6 (8-6), 6-2.

Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam winner, said he will take a “week or two” away from tennis to heal before resuming training.

“I don’t want to get too far ahead but I hope I shall be ready for the French Open,” he said.

–Field Level Media