Ranked as the number one tennis player in the world by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), Carlos Alcaraz announced that he is out for an estimated six weeks due to an abdominal injury on Nov. 5. This came as a huge surprise to the tennis community, as he was predicted to be the winner of the Nitto ATP Finals held from November 13-20, but was not even able to play in it. He also had to withdraw from the Davis Cup Finals with the injury he suffered at the Paris Masters tournament. 

This marks a disappointing end to the 19-year-old prodigy’s season. His achievements, such as winning 500-level titles at Rio and Barcelona, along with his first-ever Grand Slam victory at the US Open only to end with an injury is unfortunate. Alcaraz has said he is excited about returning to the court and is recovering fast so far.

“I’m really focused on recovering as soon as possible,” Alcaraz told the press in Turin, Italy. “But I could say in a week we improved a lot in the injury. I’m going to say at the beginning of the season, I’m going to be ready. I’m going to be 100 percent.”

Alcaraz says he is ready for the Australian Open starting on Jan. 16. His goal to reclaim the No. 1 ranking and win another Grand Slam Title is something all tennis fans are anticipating.