World-class tennis player Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Barcelona Open due to an unexpected right wrist injury. After winning his first-round match against Otto Virtanen, Alcaraz experienced wrist pain and underwent medical treatment. The two-time Barcelona champion was set to face Tomas Machac in the second round but decided to withdraw after a test revealed the injury was more severe than anticipated.
Alcaraz expressed his disappointment, stating that he must prioritize his health and recovery to avoid further damage. He aims to regain his fitness as quickly as possible with the help of his team and medical professionals. The Spanish player's withdrawal comes as he was attempting to regain the world No 1 ranking, which he can still achieve with a strong performance in upcoming tournaments, including the French Open.
Meanwhile, British No 1 Cameron Norrie secured a spot in the quarter-finals after a grueling match against Ethan Quinn, while Rafael Jodar and Katie Boulter also advanced in their respective competitions. On the WTA Tour, Iga Swiatek commenced her clay-court season with a victory over Laura Siegemund, marking her first match with new coach Francisco Roig.