Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to pull out of the Barcelona Open due to a wrist injury that proved more severe than initially anticipated. The Spanish tennis star, who was seeking to reclaim the world's top ranking, had won his first match but was set to face Tomas Machac in the second round. However, after undergoing medical tests, Alcaraz decided to withdraw from the tournament to avoid further aggravating the injury.
This decision comes as a significant setback for Alcaraz, who was looking to regain the top spot and had recently returned to competition after a brief break. The injury may also impact his preparations for the upcoming French Open, where he is the defending champion. Meanwhile, other tennis players, including Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter, have advanced in their respective tournaments, with Norrie booking a spot in the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open and Boulter progressing to the last eight in the Open de Rouen.
Additionally, Novak Djokovic has announced his return to action at the Mutua Madrid Open, while Iga Swiatek has started working with a new coach, Francisco Roig, and secured a quarter-final berth in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.