Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to pull out of the Barcelona Open after sustaining a right wrist injury during his opening-round triumph over Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old Spanish star, who defeated Virtanen in straight sets despite experiencing discomfort throughout the match, underwent medical examinations that revealed the damage to be worse than anticipated.
Alcaraz said: "I felt my wrist give out on a return during the match.
"After the tests, we saw that it's a more serious injury than any of us expected, and I have to listen to my body so it doesn't affect me in the future."
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The Spaniard confirmed he would return home immediately to begin rehabilitation under the supervision of his medical staff, including doctors and physiotherapists.
He said: "I have to go home to start my recovery as soon as possible with my team - the doctors, and the physical therapist - and get, or try to get, as healthy as possible as soon as possible for the tournaments I have coming up."
Alcaraz's primary focus now turns to Roland Garros, where the 2026 French Open commences on May 18.
The former world number one will be targeting an unprecedented third successive title at the Parisian clay-court major.
Carlos Alcaraz has been forced to pull out of the Barcelona Open
|GETTY
Alcaraz had competed in Barcelona just two days after suffering defeat to Jannik Sinner in the Monte-Carlo Masters final, a result that saw the Italian reclaim the world number one ranking for the first time since November.
Victory at the Catalan clay-court event would have enabled Alcaraz to regain top spot from his rival.
The Spaniard claimed the Barcelona title in both 2022 and 2023 before finishing as runner-up last year.
This marks the second occasion in three years that injury has compelled Alcaraz to withdraw from the tournament in the Catalan capital.
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Carlos Alcaraz sustained a right wrist injury during his opening-round triumph over Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen on Tuesday
|GETTY
The Spanish star made history earlier this year by becoming the youngest man to complete a Career Grand Slam.
In January, Alcaraz claimed his maiden Australian Open crown by defeating Novak Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 in Melbourne, securing his place in tennis history as the youngest player ever to lift all four major trophies.
He maintained his momentum at the Qatar Open in Doha, where he dispatched Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-1 to capture the ATP 500 title.
His run at the Monte-Carlo Masters ended in disappointment, however, as Jannik Sinner claimed victory in the final, a result that saw the Italian reclaim the world number one position.
The Spaniard confirmed he would return home immediately to begin rehabilitation
|GETTY
Alcaraz's immediate priority is returning to full fitness ahead of the clay-court swing's most prestigious events.
The world number two is targeting appearances at both the Madrid and Rome Masters tournaments as he builds towards his French Open title defence.
Despite the injury setback, his season statistics remain impressive, with a 21-3 win-loss record, two titles, and prize money exceeding $4.3million.
The Spaniard will be hoping his recovery progresses smoothly, with Roland-Garros representing the culmination of the European clay season and a tournament where he has previously demonstrated his finest form.
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