Carlos Alcaraz Cancels Barcelona Open Practice Following Acute Wrist Pain and Medical Advice

Carlos Alcaraz cancels training in Barcelona to undergo hotel-based treatment for wrist pain following his first-round win over Otto Virtanen.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 3:54 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Precautionary Measures in Barcelona

Following a medical scare during his first-round victory at the 2026 Barcelona Open, Carlos Alcaraz has made the strategic decision to prioritize physical recovery over scheduled practice. The world No. 2 successfully defeated Otto Virtanen with a 6-4, 6-2 scoreline, yet the match was overshadowed by a mid-set intervention from the tournament physio. During a changeover at 5-4 in the first set, Alcaraz sought treatment for what he described as a sharp pain in his right wrist and forearm. Consequently, he cancelled his Wednesday afternoon practice session at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona to remain at his hotel for intensive treatment.

Navigating a Congested Tournament Calendar

The current injury scare follows an exhausting stretch for the 22-year-old, who has competed in six matches over the span of just eight days. After reaching the final of the Monte Carlo Masters last week, Alcaraz admitted that the transition to the conditions in Barcelona has been a significant struggle. According to Alcaraz, he had only one hour of contact with the Barcelona courts before being thrust into competitive play. He characterized the current wrist discomfort as a recurring issue that typically emerges when recovery time is limited and matches are scheduled back-to-back.

Medical Guidance and Team Strategy

The decision to skip practice was informed by consultation with his personal physiotherapist, Juanjo Moreno, and the broader coaching team. Alcaraz indicated that the primary objective is to reach the best possible physical state for his scheduled match on Thursday. While he attempted to downplay the severity of the situation by labeling it as mere discomfort rather than a serious injury, the cancellation of a two-hour training block suggests a high level of caution. The athlete noted that by being more relaxed in the second set, he was able to manage the pain, but the team is now monitoring the situation closely to prevent a more significant setback.