Carlos Alcaraz pulled out of the Barcelona Open with a right wrist injury, cutting short what was expected to be a key week in his bid to regain the world No. The Spaniard had already started his campaign with a straight sets win over Otto Virtanen, but required medical attention during the bout and subsequently missed training ahead of the next round.
With fears of aggravating the injury, Alcaraz decided to withdraw, ending his run early and virtually eliminating any immediate chance of returning to the top of the ATP rankings. The timing is particularly important as Barcelona presented the 22-year-old with a real opportunity to reclaim the No.1 – something that is no longer possible following his departure.
“After the tests we realized that the injury is more serious than any of us expected and I have to listen to my body to make sure it doesn’t affect me in the future,” Alcaraz told reporters.
“I never like to withdraw from any tournament, and especially not this one. It is with great sadness that I have to return home to start my recovery as soon as possible with my team, doctors and physio and to be, or try to be, as fit as possible for the tournaments ahead.”
The resignation comes in just a few days after Alcaraz lost his #1 to Jannik Sinner. The decisive moment came in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters, where Sinner defeated Alcaraz in straight sets to secure the title and take first place. The result was effectively a winner-take-all showdown, with the ATP No. 1 ranking on the line, and Sinner’s victory ensured he leapfrogged his Spanish rival.
Sinner’s rise has been built on remarkable consistency throughout the season. The Italian has been in red-hot form, putting together a dominant streak that includes titles in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo, making him the first player to win three consecutive ATP Masters 1000 events without dropping a set.
At one stage, Alcaraz trailed Sinner by almost 390 points in the live rankings, meaning he needed a deep run – or even the title – in Barcelona to claim the top spot.
WHEN WILL CARLOS ALCARAZ RETURN?
For Alcaraz, losing the No. 1 ranking marks a significant, if temporary, setback in the intense rivalry shaping the current era of men’s tennis. Despite reaching the final in Monte Carlo, he admitted to inconsistencies in his play during the tournament, especially under pressure. The physical toll of a busy schedule, coupled with minor injury concerns, appears to have caught up with him at a critical moment.
The clay court season is now in full swing and attention shifts to the upcoming tournaments in Madrid and Rome, where Alcaraz is expected to return. His withdrawal from Barcelona may turn out to be a precautionary move aimed at keeping him fit for bigger challenges ahead, including the defense of his French Open crown.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
15 Apr 2026 22:33 IST
