Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open due to a right wrist injury.
Alcaraz, who needed to win the tournament to regain the world No 1 ranking, won his opening match with a 6-4 6-2 win over Otto Virtanen but required medical treatment for wrist pain and was set to face Tomas Machac in the second round.
A two-time champion in Barcelona, Alcaraz had returned to competition just 48 hours after losing the Monte-Carlo Masters final to rival Jannik Sinner.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Highlights of the Monte-Carlo Masters final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner with the title and world No 1 on the line
The Spaniard trained at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona on Wednesday before deciding to pull out and rest.
A statement from the Barcelona Open read: “Carlos Alcaraz has announced his withdrawal from the BCNOpenBS after undergoing a test on his right wrist this morning.”
Speaking after his win on Tuesday, Alcaraz said: “Well, to be honest, it’s been tough, it’s been a bit of a struggle. In the end, my first contact with Barcelona was this morning, for about an hour, and then I had to jump right onto the court to compete, and the conditions are completely different.
“It was a little difficult, especially at the beginning, to get into a good rhythm,” he continued. “But little by little I think we started feeling better. Adapting more and more to the conditions in Barcelona and ending up playing at a good level.”
“It’s just discomfort that pops up given how few days I’ve had to recover,” Alcaraz explained. “When everything has been practically back-to-back things come up in some unusual movements.
“We’ve tried to calm ourselves down and keep going. Above all be more relaxed – especially in the second set – and see what happens. Now the physio will see me and we’ll talk with the team.
“It’s a discomfort I’ve had before which has never led to anything more serious so let’s hope it’s the same this time.”
Alcaraz now faces a race to be fit for Madrid and Rome as he builds towards the defence of his French Open title, which begins in Paris on May 24.
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app, giving Sky Sports customers access to over 50 per cent more live sport this year at no extra cost. Find out more here.
Leave a Reply