Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open after tests revealed a more significant issue with his right wrist and forearm than initially believed.
The 22-year-old Spaniard picked up the injury during his opening-round win over Otto Virtanen, where he secured a 6-4, 6-2 victory. Although he initially downplayed the problem, Alcaraz later admitted the discomfort worsened as the match went on. Medical evaluations the following morning ultimately led to his decision to withdraw before his scheduled matchup against Tomáš Macháč.
Alcaraz said: “After seeing the results today, it turns out the injury is a little more serious than we all expected. I need to listen to my body and do what’s best for me, so it doesn’t affect me in the future. It is a slightly more serious injury than we all expected, 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 .. 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.”
With Alcaraz out, Macháč advances to the quarterfinals, where he will face either Andrey Rublev or Lorenzo Sonego. The withdrawal also ends any chance for Alcaraz to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking from Jannik Sinner, who overtook him after winning the Monte Carlo Masters final last weekend.
Looking ahead, Alcaraz now turns his attention to recovery as the clay-court season continues. He remains on the entry list for the Madrid Open, though his participation is uncertain. The Italian Open is considered a more direct lead-in to the French Open, where he is the two-time defending champion. Alcaraz shared: “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. I hope you can see me back on a tennis court as soon as possible.”
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