Alcaraz withdraws in Barcelona

Carlos Alcaraz pulled out of the Barcelona Open this week after tests on his right wrist, ending his title defense mid-tournament. (atptour.com) The ATP Tour and the tournament said Alcaraz withdrew on Wednesday, April 15, after he felt discomfort in his wrist during his opening-round win over Otto Virtanen. Barcelona Open organizers said the problem was confirmed after a morning test. (atptour.com) (barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com) Alcaraz, 22, said in Barcelona that “it is strange and difficult” to stop again at his home event, and added that he hoped fans would see him back on court “very soon.” He is a two-time champion in Barcelona and had been one of the main attractions in the 2026 draw. (barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com) (atptour.com) The withdrawal changed the shape of an ATP 500 event that had opened with Alcaraz, Lorenzo Musetti, Alex de Minaur, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Casper Ruud in the field. By Friday’s order of play, Musetti was listed as the No. 2 seed still in action on Pista Rafa Nadal. (atptour.com) (barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com) The timing matters because Barcelona sits in the middle of the European clay swing, one week after Monte Carlo and two weeks before the Madrid Open main draw. Alcaraz had arrived in Barcelona after losing the Monte Carlo final to Jannik Sinner, a result that cost him the No. 1 ranking. (atptour.com 1) (atptour.com 2) His exit also removed one immediate ranking opportunity. The Associated Press report carried by Yahoo said Alcaraz could not overtake Sinner and return to No. 1 next week after withdrawing in Barcelona. (sports.yahoo.com) Instead of staying in Barcelona through the weekend, Alcaraz is now due in Madrid for the Laureus World Sports Awards on Monday, April 20, at Cibeles Palace. Laureus lists him among the 2026 nominees for World Sportsman of the Year. (laureus.com 1) (laureus.com 2) Laureus’ nomination page says Alcaraz won Roland Garros and the US Open in 2025 and was the 2023 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year. That gives him a high-profile stop in Madrid even as questions shift to when he will play again on clay. (laureus.com) For Barcelona, the week moved on without its home favorite. For Alcaraz, the next public appearance is set for Madrid on April 20, while the next tennis date depends on how quickly that right wrist settles. (barcelonaopenbancsabadell.com) (laureus.com)