Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to pull out of Spain’s team for the Davis Cup Finals with the hamstring injury he suffered on Sunday.
The world number one described the decision not to be able to represent his country in Bologna as heartbreaking, dealing a major blow to Spain’s title hopes.
Alcaraz suffered the problem during his final defeat by Jannik Sinner at the ATP Finals in Turin.
Following the match, he dismissed suggestions afterwards that he might not be able to play in the Davis Cup.
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The Spanish tennis federation said Alcaraz felt "physical discomfort" in the back of his thigh during the first set.
But now, in an update to fans, Alcaraz has ruled himself out of the competition.
He wrote on social media: "I’m so sorry to announce that I won’t be able to play for Spain in the Davis Cup in Bologna.
"I have edema (swelling) in my right hamstring and the medical recommendation is not to compete."
Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to pull out of Spain’s team for the Davis Cup Finals
| REUTERSThe Spaniard added: "I’ve always said that playing for Spain is the greatest thing there is, and I was really looking forward to helping us fight for the Davis Cup.
"I’m going home heartbroken."
Alcaraz’s withdrawal brings to an end the most successful season of his career, with the 22-year-old winning eight titles, including the French Open and US Open, and climbing back to the top of the rankings.
He secured the year-end world number one ranking last week after reaching the knockout stages of the ATP Finals with three straight wins.
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Carlos Alcaraz's Grand Slam titles so far | GETTY/PASpain begin their campaign at the Davis Cup with a quarter-final against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
They will now be led by 36th-ranked Jaume Munar.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz has signed up to represent Europe at the Laver Cup in London next summer.
The Ryder Cup-style event will take place at the O2 from September 25-27, pitting Europe against the USA, whose team will include world number six Taylor Fritz.
Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal brings to an end the most successful season of his career
| GETTYThe Davis Cup has players represent their countries rather than competing as individuals.
Often dubbed the "World Cup of Tennis," it is organised by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) and involves more than 150 nations.
The Great Britain Davis Cup team includes Cam Norrie, Jacob Fearnley, Arthur Fery, Lloyd Glasspool and Julian Cash, with Leon Smith as the team captain.
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