Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to withdraw from the Barcelona Open due to a wrist injury. Alcaraz, who was seeking to reclaim the world number one ranking, won his opening match but suffered from wrist pain and was set to face Tomas Machac in the second round. A two-time champion in Barcelona, Alcaraz had only just returned to competition after losing the Monte-Carlo Masters final to Jannik Sinner. After undergoing a test on his wrist, Alcaraz decided to pull out of the tournament, citing the injury as more serious than initially expected.
In a press conference, Alcaraz expressed his disappointment, stating that he had to prioritize his health and listen to his body. He will now focus on recovering with his team and aims to be back on the court as soon as possible. Alcaraz's withdrawal comes as he prepares to defend his French Open title, which begins on May 24. Meanwhile, British number one Cameron Norrie booked his place in the quarter-finals after a tough three-set win over American Ethan Quinn.
Norrie will face Spanish 19-year-old Rafael Jodar, who is yet to drop a set in the tournament. On the WTA Tour, Katie Boulter progressed to the last eight after knocking out third seed Jaqueline Cristian, while Iga Swiatek secured a quarter-final berth at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix.
Novak Djokovic has also announced his return to action at the Mutua Madrid Open, which will be live on Sky Sports Tennis from April 21 to May 3.