Carlos Alcaraz quit the Barcelona Open with a wrist injury and cast serious doubt on his fitness and availability for run-up events prior to next month’s French Open.

The Spaniard who lost his No. 1 ranking to Jannik Sinner through Sunday’s loss to the Italian in the Monte Carlo Casters final was unable to carry on at his home event in Barcelona.

Alcaraz quit the clay event prior to his second-round match against Tomas Machac. The Spaniard injured his wrist in a first-round win over Finn Otto Virtanen and warned that he could make no solid commitment yet to furue play due to his injury.

“It’s with great sadness I have to go back home to start my recovery as soon as possible with my team, with the doctors, with the physio, and try to be as healthy as possible as soon as possible for (future) tournaments,” he said.

“Let’s hope, that you can see me back on a tennis court as soon as possible.”

Alcaraz is now touch and go for the Madrid Masters oddly starting in a week next Wednesday as the ATP stretches out the Masters events in an unpopular  money-spinning exercise.

Alcarraz could face a serious hit to his ranking if he cannot front up in the Spanish capital and next month in Rome, with titles to defend in both venues.

“But I’ve seen today’s tests, and it’s a slightly more serious injury than we all expected.

“In the end I have to listen to my body, what won’t affect me later on: That’s why I have to withdraw from this tournament.

“I never like to withdraw from any tournament, but especially from this one,”

Jannik Sinner will take back the No. 1 ranking on Monday after winning his fourth consecutive Masters 1000 title with a 7-6 (5), 6-3 defeat of rival Carlos Alcaraz.

The Italian’s win in two and a quarter hours as gusting winds began to play up at the seaside Monte Carlo Country Club has won the last four events in the elite series: Paris Indoors, Indian Wells, Miami and now in the principality for the first time.

The 24-year-old who began his sporting life as a child ski racer before picking up a racquet extended his current Masters win streak to 22 matches.

He joins Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as the only players to win four consecutive Masters tournaments.

“I don’t know where to start,” Sinner said after victory, with Alcaraz sending a service return long on his opponent’s first match point.

“We came here hoping to play as many matches as possible and get some feedback (on his clay game).

“This is another amazing result,” he said after losing last May’s Roland Garros final in Paris to Alcaraz.

“To get back to No. 1 means a lot to me. But the ranking is secondary. I’m happy to win a big trophy on this surface.”

Sinner won the 74-minute opening set but trailed 3-1 in the second before breaking back for 3-all and repeating for 5-3 moments later.

“I always felt close on the return game,” Sinner said. “I think new balls helped me at 1-3.  I tried to stay strong mentally and kept pushing.”

Alcaraz, who stayed atop the rankings for 66 weeks, will drop to second but still leads the head-to-head 10-7.

Sinner claimed the 27th title of his career and third this season after the Australian Open and Doha.

Alcaraz was quick to praise his rival: “You have showed the world the work you and your team are doing,” said the Spanish defending champion. “It’s nice to see you winning in front of your family.

“This is not the ending we wanted but I’ve enjoyed every day here at the only one-week Masters tournament remaining. 

“We enjoyed every day on and off the court here.”

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner with Monte Carlo Masters trophy – by ISF Ltd

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz fulfilled expectations on Saturday as the top pair in the world claimed their expected spots in the final of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Sinner, advancing on his rival’s No. 1 ranking, dispatched Alexander Zverev for an eight straight time to reach the Sunday final  6-1, 6-4.

Alcaraz followed a similar script as he ended the dream run of Monegasque local Valentin Vacherot 6-4, 6-4, losing just three points in a dominating first set.

Alcaraz has the edge over Sinner in their career series, leading the Italian 10-6 and winning two of their last three meetings.

The Spaniard won four of six matches with Sinner last season (including the Roland Garros and US Open finals) while Sinner won Wimbledon. 

“This is a dream for everyone: I’m fighting for my second title here while Jannik is looking for his first,” Alcaraz said.

“It will be very special, since the No. 1 ranking is on the line.”

The top seed added: “I’m really happy to have won a very difficult match. Valentin was playing great tennis at home.

“It was tough to deal with. I’m really excited about my first meeting this season against Jannik.”

Alcaraz becomes the third man to reach 10 Masters finals before turning 23 after compatriot Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

The 22-year-old is 26-1 on clay since the start of last season and will be contesting his seventh consecutive clay tournament played, including title wins at Roland Garros in 2024 and 2025.

Main photo:- Carlos Alcaraz with 2025 Monte Carlo Trophy – by ISF Ltd