After being affected by a right wrist issue in his opening match in Barcelona, World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the tournament, citing the injury as more serious than initially expected.
Playing in Barcelona just two days after his runner-up finish at the Monte Carlo Masters, there were already concerns that Alcaraz could be pushed to his physical limits during the clay swing—something he had acknowledged himself beforehand.
Alcaraz Explains Decision to Withdraw
That concern has now materialized once again for the Spaniard, who has been forced to pull out of one of the two home events he was scheduled to play in. As a result, 2023 remains the last time he successfully competed in both Barcelona and Madrid in the same season.
Announcing his withdrawal, Alcaraz told reporters:
“Given today’s tests, it is an injury that is a bit more serious than we all expected. I have to listen to my body, to what is best for me, so that it doesn’t affect me in the future. That’s why I’m withdrawing from this tournament, which for me has always been wonderful and very special. I never like to withdraw from any tournament, but especially not this one. I have to go back home to start the recovery as soon as possible with my team, with the doctors, and with the physio. I will try to be as healthy as possible as soon as possible for the tournaments I have in the future. Let’s hope you can see me back on a tennis court as soon as possible.”
Following Alcaraz’s withdrawal, Tomas Machac advances to the quarterfinals in Barcelona. As for Alcaraz, it remains unclear whether the injury will impact his participation at the Madrid Open, which is scheduled to begin next week.
Recurring Injury Concerns During Clay Swing
This latest setback continues a worrying pattern for Carlos Alcaraz during the clay season. The Spaniard has now dealt with a physical issue or injury in this part of the calendar for five consecutive years.
He missed the Italian Open in 2022, followed by the Monte Carlo Masters in 2023. In 2024, his struggles were even more significant, as he was forced to sit out Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Rome. Last season, he was unable to compete at the Madrid Open, and now in 2026, he has withdrawn from Barcelona once again, with his participation in Madrid also hanging in the balance.
The Spaniard will now begin rehabilitation as he looks to return to full fitness ahead of the French Open, which is set to begin in just under six weeks.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
