Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Barcelona Open due to a wrist injury that proved to be more severe than initially anticipated. The Spanish tennis player, who was seeking to reclaim the world's top ranking, won his first match but suffered from wrist pain and was scheduled to face Tomas Machac in the next round. Following a medical examination, Alcaraz decided to withdraw from the tournament to avoid further aggravating the injury.
He expressed his disappointment, stating that he never likes to give up on any tournament, especially one as significant to him as the Barcelona Open. Alcaraz now faces a tight schedule to recover in time for his title defense at the French Open, which begins on May 24. Meanwhile, British No 1 Cameron Norrie advanced to the quarter-finals after a grueling three-set match against Ethan Quinn, while Katie Boulter also progressed to the last eight in the WTA Tour.
Iga Swiatek secured a quarter-final berth at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, marking her first match with new coach Francisco Roig. Novak Djokovic has announced his return to action at the Mutua Madrid Open, scheduled to take place from April 21 to May 3.