Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open due to a right wrist injury, raising questions about his readiness for the French Open. The two-time champion won his opening match 6-4 6-2 against Otto Virtanen but required medical attention during the game. Alcaraz, returning just 48 hours after losing the Monte-Carlo Masters final to Jannik Sinner, underwent wrist testing on Wednesday before deciding to pull out. He described the injury as more severe than initially feared, prioritizing recovery to avoid long-term damage ahead of Madrid, Rome, and the French Open, where he aims to defend his title.

Alcaraz trained at Real Club de Tenis Barcelona before announcing his withdrawal, stating, "I have to listen to my body... to be as healthy as possible for future tournaments." His absence leaves a void in the tournament, which he previously dominated. Sinner, now chasing the No. 1 ranking, benefits from Alcaraz's departure, though the Spaniard emphasized his desire to return to the court soon.

The injury timing is critical, as Alcaraz must balance recovery with maintaining form for the ATP Tour's clay-court swing. His Monte-Carlo loss to Sinner highlighted vulnerabilities, and this setback could disrupt his title defense plans. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, a three-time Madrid Open champion, announced his return to ATP action at the Mutua Madrid Open, adding another layer of competition to the season.

Alcaraz's situation underscores the physical demands of elite tennis. While his withdrawal safeguards his long-term health, it creates uncertainty for Barcelona organizers and fans. The French Open, starting May 24, remains his immediate focus, but his ability to recover will determine his challenges in Paris.