Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Carlos Alcaraz has pulled out of the Barcelona Open due to a right wrist injury, cutting short what was expected to be a crucial week in his bid to reclaim the world No.1 ranking. The Spaniard had already begun his campaign with a straight-sets win over Otto Virtanen, but required medical attention during the match and subsequently skipped training ahead of his next round.
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With concerns over aggravating the injury, Alcaraz chose to withdraw, ending his run prematurely and effectively ruling out any immediate chance of returning to the top of the ATP rankings. The timing is particularly significant, as Barcelona presented a realistic opportunity for the 22-year-old to regain No.1—something now no longer possible following his exit.
The withdrawal comes just days after Alcaraz lost his No.1 ranking to Jannik Sinner. The decisive moment arrived in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters, where Sinner defeated Alcaraz in straight sets to clinch the title and reclaim the top spot. The result was effectively a winner-takes-all clash, with the ATP No.1 ranking on the line, and Sinner’s victory ensured he leapfrogged his Spanish rival.
Sinner’s rise has been built on remarkable consistency across the season. The Italian has been in red-hot form, putting together a dominant run that includes titles at Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo, making him the first player to win three consecutive ATP Masters 1000 events without dropping a set.
At one stage, Alcaraz trailed Sinner by nearly 390 points in the live rankings, meaning he needed a deep run—or even the title—in Barcelona to reclaim the summit.
WHEN WILL CARLOS ALCARAZ RETURN?
For Alcaraz, the loss of the No.1 ranking marks a significant, albeit temporary, setback in what has been an intense rivalry shaping the current era of men’s tennis. Despite reaching the Monte Carlo final, he admitted to inconsistencies in his game during the tournament, particularly under pressure. The physical toll of a packed schedule, coupled with minor injury concerns, appears to have caught up with him at a critical juncture.
With the clay-court season now in full swing, attention shifts to upcoming tournaments in Madrid and Rome, where Alcaraz is expected to return. His withdrawal from Barcelona may prove a precautionary move aimed at preserving fitness for the bigger challenges ahead, including the defence of his French Open crown.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
