This Sunday has been confirmed what many probably expected, especially considering that he has not played the Monte Carlo Masters 1000. Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open, which he was going to play as the first preparation tournament for Roland Garros.
The blow is very hard for the player from Murcia, since adding two withdrawals between Monte Carlo and the Barcelona Open is not, by any means, the ideal way to start the clay court tour. Apparently, the decision has been taken by the player and his coaching staff after his last training session in Murcia, as reported by José Morón of Puntodebreak.
Carlos Alcaraz's place in the Conde de Godo draw will be taken by a lucky loser. The world number 3's next event should be the Mutua Madrid Open, where he hopes to be fully recovered from his forearm discomfort. Therefore, all the expectation in Barcelona will focus entirely on the expected return of Rafa Nadal to the circuit and, above all, to his beloved clay.