Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from the Barcelona Open after a medical assessment revealed that his right wrist injury was more serious than initially thought. The 21-year-old Spaniard had entered the event with high expectations, needing a title win to reclaim the world No.
1 ranking, and had already secured a straight‑sets victory over Finland's Otto Virtanen, winning 6-4, 6-2 in his opening match. However, during the match he began to feel a sharp pain in his wrist after a return, and the discomfort gradually intensified as the contest progressed. Following the win, Alcaraz underwent treatment on the court and later visited the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona for a thorough examination.
The medical team performed a series of tests on his right wrist, concluding that the strain was more than just temporary fatigue from a busy week of competition. In a press conference, the young champion explained his decision: "It feels strange to have to say this for the second time in my career, but after the match I realized my wrist was giving out. The pain grew steadily, and the scans showed an injury more serious than everyone expected.
I have to listen to my body and do what is best for my long‑term health." Alcaraz added that the Barcelona Open holds a special place in his heart, noting that he is a two‑time champion at the tournament and has always regarded it as a "wonderful, super special" event. He expressed disappointment at having to abandon his bid, especially after a brief comeback only 48 hours after losing the Monte‑Carlo Masters final to rival Jannik Sinner. "I never like to give up on a tournament, particularly one that means so much to me, but I must return home and begin a focused recovery with my team, doctors, and physiotherapist," he said.
The Spanish star emphasized the urgency of his rehabilitation, aiming to be fit for the upcoming clay‑court swing that includes the Mutua Madrid Open and the Italian Open in Rome, both critical stops before he defends his French Open title, which kicks off in Paris on May 24. "I hope to be back on court as soon as possible," Alcaras concluded. Alcaraz's withdrawal reshapes the draw in Barcelona.
British No. 1 Cameron Norrie, who survived a grueling three‑set battle against American Ethan Quinn lasting two hours and thirty‑two minutes, now moves into the quarter‑finals. Norrie claimed the first set 6-3, dropped the second 4-6, and sealed the match with a 6-4 win in the decider.
He will likely face 19‑year‑old Spanish hopeful Rafael Jodar, who has yet to lose a set on home soil and rides a seven‑match winning streak after capturing his first ATP Tour title at a 250 event in Morocco. On the women's side, British player Katie Boulter advanced to the quarter‑finals of the Open de Rouen in France after defeating third seed Jaqueline Cristian in a three‑set thriller, 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-1.
Meanwhile, at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, third‑seed Iga Swiatek secured her place in the last eight by beating Germany's Laura Siegemund 6-2, 6-3. This match marked Swiatek's first tournament on clay with new coach Francisco Roig, who recently ended his partnership with Emma Raducanu.
Swiatek reflected on the change, saying, "Even though I'm experienced, this is a new chapter. Working with a new coach brings fresh perspectives, and I’m excited to integrate his ideas into my game.
It will take time, but the attitude and work are there." In other news, Serbian star Novak Djokovic announced his return to competition at the Mutua Madrid Open, scheduled from April 21 to May 3. Djokovic, a three‑time champion in Madrid, last lifted the trophy in 2019 and has been absent from the ATP Tour since his defeat by Britain's Jack Draper at Indian Wells on March 12. Fans can follow his comeback live on Sky Sports Tennis or stream via NOW and the Sky Sports app, which offer expanded live‑sport coverage for subscribers. The Barcelona Open withdrawal underscores the physical toll that a demanding clay‑court season can exact on even the sport's brightest talents.
Alcaraz's decision to prioritize his health reflects a growing awareness among top players that long‑term career longevity often requires difficult short‑term sacrifices. As the ATP calendar moves forward, the spotlight will shift to Madrid, Rome, and ultimately Roland Garros, where Alcaraz hopes to return fully fit and ready to defend his French Open crown.
While Alcaraz recuperates, the tournament will continue to showcase emerging talent and seasoned veterans alike. The combination of rising stars like Jodar, established contenders such as Norrie, and seasoned champions including Swiatek and Djokovic ensures that the upcoming weeks will be filled with high‑quality tennis, compelling narratives, and the ever‑present drama of injuries and comebacks that define the sport.