Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Barcelona, Jannik Sinner keeps No. 1 ranking heading into Madrid
The Spaniard underwent tests on his right wrist Wednesday, according to tournament organizers.
A day after successfully making a quick turnaround from the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters to the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, Carlos Alcaraz pulled out of the ATP 500 event.
Organizers announced just before 6 p.m. local time Wednesday that the top seed withdrew after undergoing tests on his right wrist.
Alcaraz had dismissed Otto Virtanen, 6-4, 6-2, Tuesday on Pista Rafa Nadal and was bidding to win the Barcelona crown for the first time since going back-to-back in 2023. The 22-year-old's withdrawal ends his chance, for now, of reclaiming the ATP’s No. 1 ranking.
Jannik Sinner overtook the Spaniard Monday after winning the pair’s first 2026 clash in Monte Carlo to earn the biggest clay-court title of his career. Alcaraz needed to win this week's tournament to trade places again.
In 2025, neither Alcaraz or Sinner contested the Mutua Madrid Open—the next stop on tour. Alcaraz is a two-time former champion, while his Italian rival has made one quarterfinal in three previous appearances.