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.
