Carlos Alcaraz, the Wimbledon champion and world number three, has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open due to a right forearm injury. This setback comes as a blow for the 20-year-old, who has clinched the title at the prestigious tournament for the past two years. Alcaraz’s injury also forced him to pull out of the Monte Carlo Masters, where he was slated to face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The Barcelona Open commenced with qualifying rounds on Saturday, marking the awaited return of tennis icon Rafael Nadal. Alcaraz, who was the two-time defending champion at the event, won the trophy in 2022 and 2023. However, his absence this year leaves the field open for new contenders.
In a statement posted on social media, the tournament organizers expressed regret over Alcaraz’s withdrawal, citing the injury he sustained during the Monte Carlo event. The statement wished him a speedy recovery and expressed hopes for his return next year.
Despite Alcaraz’s absence, fans can anticipate the return of Rafael Nadal to competitive action in Barcelona. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has been sidelined with a hip injury since January but is now ready to make his comeback. Nadal is scheduled to face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli in his opening match on Monday, aiming for an impressive 13th title at the Barcelona Open.