Wrist Injury Forces Carlos Alcaraz Out of Barcelona After Opening Win

Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Barcelona 

Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open with a wrist injury after his first-round win, delaying his bid to reclaim the world No.1 ranking.

Alcaraz pulls out of Barcelona ATP 500 due to wrist issue, doubts for clay season. Second Barcelona withdrawal in three years for Alcaraz... 

Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the ATP 500 event in Barcelona after his opening win over Otto Virtanen due to a wrist injury. For now, his chance to overtake Jannik Sinner at the top of the world rankings slips away.

Walking through the avenues of the Real Club de Tenis de Barcelona, the mood is heavy. The worst possible news for fans has landed.

Come back stronger, Carlos 💪@carlosalcaraz pic.twitter.com/Zt6eM6VFxt

— ATP Tour (@atptour) April 15, 2026

It is official. Alcaraz has announced his withdrawal from the tournament. The Murcian arrived in Catalonia aiming to win and overtake Jannik Sinner to reclaim the ATP world number one ranking, but physical problems with his right wrist have forced him to stop.

The discomfort that surfaced after his opening win over Virtanen worsened, leading to the final decision to end his run in Barcelona.

On Wednesday morning, 'Carlitos' cancelled his training session. It was a clear sign that things were not heading in the right direction.

It is a cautious but tough decision that ends his journey in the tournament and raises questions ahead of the clay season. Alcaraz leaves Barcelona needing to fully recover from his condition.

  

This is the second time in three years that injury has forced Alcaraz to withdraw from the Barcelona tournament. He won it in 2022 and 2023, and finished runner-up to Holger Rune 12 months ago.

Alcaraz was scheduled to face Tomas Machac on Thursday for a place in the quarter-finals.

Alcaraz's Statement

“The truth is, it feels strange and difficult to sit here for the second time, because I’ve already done it before, and announce that I won’t be able to continue in the tournament. As you all saw yesterday during the match, after a backhand, I felt my wrist give way and started to feel discomfort that got worse as the match went on.

“As I said yesterday, I repeat my words: I thought it was something I’d already felt before and that it wouldn’t get worse, that it was just some discomfort from the demands of the whole week. But after seeing today’s tests, it turns out the injury is a bit more serious than we all expected.”

“And the truth is, as I’ve said, in the end I have to listen to my body, understand what’s best for me and what won’t have a negative impact on my future. That’s why I had to withdraw from this tournament, which has always been an exceptional, wonderful, truly special event for me.”