World number two Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open after suffering a right wrist injury, tournament organisers confirmed on Wednesday.
The Spaniard sustained the injury during his 6-4, 6-2 first-round victory over Otto Virtanen. As the top seed, he was set to face Czech player Tomas Machac in the second round before pulling out.
“After the tests, we’ve realised that the injury is more serious than any of us expected, and I need to listen to my body to ensure it doesn’t affect me in the future,” Alcaraz said.
“I never like to withdraw from any tournament, especially not this one. It is with great sadness that I have to return home to begin my recovery with my team, doctors, and physio, and try to be as fit as possible for the tournaments ahead.”
A two-time champion in Barcelona, Alcaraz had returned to competition just 48 hours after losing the Monte Carlo Masters final to Jannik Sinner, a result that saw him drop to world number two behind the Italian.
The 22-year-old is expected to return for the Madrid and Rome tournaments as he prepares to defend his French Open title in Paris, which begins on May 24. He has compiled a 22-3 win-loss record this season, winning the Australian Open and Qatar Open titles.
Jamie Murray retires
Former doubles world number one Jamie Murray also announced his retirement on Wednesday, ending a 36-year tennis career at the age of 40.
Murray, the elder brother of Andy Murray, won seven Grand Slam titles and helped Great Britain secure a Davis Cup victory alongside his brother. He finished his career with 34 titles, including men’s doubles wins at the 2016 Australian Open and US Open, as well as five mixed doubles titles across Wimbledon and the US Open.
“My tennis journey comes to an end after 36 years. I feel very fortunate and privileged for all the amazing experiences this great sport has given me,” he said in a statement.
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