Alcaraz Withdraws from Barcelona Open Injury

Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open due to a right wrist injury, casting uncertainty over his preparation for the clay-court season.

The 22-year-old, seeded number one in Barcelona, experienced discomfort during his straight-sets win over Otto Virtanen in the opening round. Medical examinations later confirmed the issue was more serious than initially expected, forcing his withdrawal ahead of a scheduled clash with Tomas Machac.

Alcaraz: “I Have to Listen to My Body”

Speaking after the diagnosis, Alcaraz admitted the injury occurred mid-match.

“I felt my wrist give out on a return. After the tests, we saw it’s more serious than expected,” he said.

“I have to listen to my body so it doesn’t affect me in the future.”

The Spaniard will now return home to begin immediate recovery with his medical team, prioritising long-term fitness over short-term competition.

French Open in Focus

Alcaraz’s withdrawal raises concerns about his readiness for the French Open, which begins on 18 May.

The two-time defending champion is aiming for a third consecutive Roland Garros title, but his participation could now depend on how quickly he recovers from the wrist problem.

Ranking Impact and Recent Form

The injury comes at a difficult moment for Alcaraz, who recently lost the world number one ranking to Jannik Sinner following defeat in the Monte-Carlo Masters final.

A strong run in Barcelona could have seen him reclaim top spot, but his early exit ends that possibility.

Alcaraz has enjoyed significant success at the tournament in recent years, winning back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 and finishing as runner-up last season.

Recurring Setback on Clay

This marks the second withdrawal in three years for Alcaraz at the Barcelona Open due to injury, raising fresh concerns about physical durability during the demanding clay season.

With several key tournaments approaching, his recovery timeline will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike.