Injury setback: Lorenzo Musetti withdraws from Barcelona after Monte Carlo final

Lorenzo Musetti has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open after suffering discomfort in his right leg during the final of the Monte-Carlo Masters. The Italian had one of the best tournaments of his career by reaching his first-ever Masters 1000 final, but physical issues caught up with him in the championship match against Carlos Alcaraz.

Musetti defeated strong opponents such as Matteo Berrettini, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alex de Minaur on his way to the final, where he faced World No. 3 Alcaraz. The Spaniard took advantage of the Italian's physical struggles to secure the title.

Musetti won the first set 6-3, but then managed to win only one game in the next two sets, as the match ended 3-6, 6-1, 6-0 in favour of Alcaraz.

The 23-year-old, who was the 8th seed at the Barcelona Open, has now vacated his spot, which will be taken by a lucky loser after the draw was already made. He was due to play Argentine Sebastián Báez in the opening round, but his absence allows Bosnian Damir Dzumhur to step in.

The extent of Musetti’s injury is still unknown, but he will certainly aim to return as soon as possible. After such a promising run, the Italian could draw confidence for the remainder of the clay swing, with big tournaments ahead in Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros.