Barcelona
Alcaraz: ‘I hope you’ll see me back on court very soon’
World No. 2 Alcaraz played one match in Barcelona
April 15, 2026
José Izquierdo/BOBS 2026
Carlos Alcaraz speaks to the media after withdrawing from the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Wednesday.
By ATPTour.com/es Staff
Carlos Alcaraz pulled out of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell on Wednesday due to injury.
This time, his smile was hidden beneath a cap that covered most of his face. Alcaraz entered the press conference room at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell wearing an unfamiliar expression. The Spaniard asked for some water before addressing the media and delivering the news nobody wanted to hear: the discomfort he felt in his wrist during his first-round match has developed into an injury, forcing him to withdraw from the ATP 500 event.
“It’s strange and difficult to sit here for the second time — because I’ve already done it before — and announce that I won’t be able to continue in the tournament,” Alcaraz explained Wednesday, his rest day in Barcelona. In 2024, two seasons ago, Alcaraz found himself in a similar situation without having played a match in the event.
Alcaraz had booked three hours on Court 18 at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899, while undergoing tests on his wrist. However, when the results arrived, it was clear he would be unable to continue. “From today’s tests, it’s a slightly more serious injury than we all expected and, honestly, I need to listen to my body, to do what’s best for me, so it doesn’t impact me in the future.”
The problem originated in the first set against Otto Virtanen , leading him to call for the physio at 5-4. “As you all saw yesterday in the match, after a return, my wrist gave way. I started to feel discomfort, which gradually got worse during the match,” Alcaraz said. “As I said yesterday, it’s something I’ve felt before and I didn’t think it would get any worse, that it was simply a niggle from the demands of the week.”
Before leaving the room, Alcaraz wanted to address the fans and the tournament itself. “I never like to withdraw from any tournament, but especially this one,” Alcaraz said. “With much sadness, I have to go home and begin my recovery as soon as possible with my team, the doctors, and the physio, and try to be as fit as possible. I hope you’ll see me back on a tennis court very soon.”
