Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Barcelona Open with wrist injury

by · UPI

April 15 (UPI) -- World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the 2026 Barcelona Open due to a right wrist injury, the Spaniard announced Wednesday in Barcelona.

Alcaraz beat No. 130 Otto Virtanen of Finland 6-4, 6-2 in a round of 32 match Tuesday in Barcelona. He was scheduled to meet No. 47 Tomas Machac of Czechia on Thursday in a round of 16 match.

Alcaraz told reporters that he started to experience discomfort in the wrist while facing Virtanen and that the pain intensified throughout the match. He underwent tests Wednesday morning and then pulled out of the tournament.

"It is a slightly more serious injury than we all expected," Alcaraz said. "And the truth is that I have to listen to my body, listen to what's best for me and won't harm me in the future.

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"And that's why I have to withdraw from this tournament, which for me has always been an exceptional tournament, a wonderful tournament, a super special tournament. Personally, I never like to give up on any tournament, but this one is especially important to me."

Before his exit, Alcaraz, who lost his No. 1 ranking to Jannik Sinner of Italy on Monday, had a chance to regain the top spot.

Machac will advance to the quarterfinals and meet No. 15 Andrey Rublev of Russia or No. 66 Lorenzo Sonego of Italy.

Alcaraz, who lost to Sinner on Sunday in the Monte Carlo Masters final, is on the entry list for the Madrid Open. That clay-court tournament will be held April 22 to May 3. He also was among the stars expected to play in the 2026 Italian Open.

The 2026 French Open, second Grand Slam tournament of the season, will be May 24 to June 7 in Paris. Alcaraz won the last two men's singles titles at Roland Garros.

"I have to go back home to start recovery as quickly as possible with my team, with the doctors, with the physiotherapist, and try to be as healthy as possible, as quickly as possible, for the tournaments I have in the future," Alcaraz said.

"I hope you can see me back on a tennis court as soon as possible."