By Richard Pagliaro | Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Photo credit: Matthew Calvis
A wrist watch has knocked Carlos Alcaraz out of Barcelona.
Alcaraz officially withdrew from the Barcelona Open today citing concerns over the wrist issue he sustained during his 6-4, 6-2 victory over Otto Virtanen yesterday. In a statement, the tournament said Alcaraz pulled out after undergoing scans on his right wrist.
World No. 2 Alcaraz took a medical timeout late in the opening set to have his wrist taped up yesterday.
“They are discomforts that come out seeing the few days I have had of recovery in some movement that is not usual,” Alcaraz told Spanish media in Barcelona. “I went more relaxed to the second set. Juanjo, my physio, will see me, but they are discomforts that I have had before and that did not get worse.
“My idea is to be in the best possible condition for Thursday’s [match].”
Reigning Roland Garros, US Open and Australian Open champion Alcaraz arrived in Barcelona riding a streak of seven straight clay-court finals. Alcaraz launched his quest for a third Barcelona title yesterday knowing if he took the title, he would surpass rival Jannik Sinner and regain the world No. 1 ranking.
Now, that will have to wait. Alcaraz aims to rest and recover ahead of his title defenses in Rome and Roland Garros.