Barcelona bust: Nadal, Alcaraz in doubt for Catalan

Next week’s Barcelona Open risks a box office bust, with both Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz battling injuries as the key clay spring campaign hits its stride.

Nadal, who has not been match-fit for months, owns a dozen titles at the clay event where the main showcourt bears his name. Alcaraz, now ranked third in the world after once achieving No. 1. won it in 2022 and 2023.

But the youngster’s title defence could be a non-starter after a right arm injury withdrawal from  this week’s Monte Carlo Masters.

Spain’s MARCA said the 20-year-old has not yet resumed training. Nadal has reportedly made travel plans to the Catalan capital for net week, but those are easily cancelled.

The 37-year-old has been grappling with back and other problems and also withdrew from Monte Carlo.  

He last played a match in the first week of the year, losing in the Brisbane quarter-finals as he sustained another injury.

He has since pulled from the Australian Open, Qatar, and the March Masters at  Indian Wells and Monte Carlo.