Carlos Alcaraz reveals why he struggled against Otto Virtanen in first match at 2026 Barcelona Open – ‘I should rest’
By Marko Tankosic
Alcaraz Overcomes Injury Scare to Secure Straight-Sets Win in Barcelona Opener
SME News Balkan. World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz admitted he may have rushed back to competition after battling through an early struggle to defeat Otto Virtanen 6-4, 6-2 in his opening match at the Barcelona Open. The Spaniard looked below his best in the opening stages and required treatment on his wrist and forearm during the match. Despite the discomfort, Alcaraz regrouped to claim a comfortable straight-sets victory in front of his home crowd.
Tight Turnaround After Monte Carlo Final
Alcaraz revealed that fatigue played a significant role in his slow start, having only a two-day turnaround after his intense final clash with Jannik Sinner at the Monte-Carlo Masters.
The 22-year-old acknowledged that, in hindsight, he might have benefited from taking a short break.“I’m not afraid to say that maybe this week is the one where I should rest,” Alcaraz admitted. However, he emphasized that competing in Barcelona was too important to skip, citing his strong connection to the tournament.
Lack of Preparation Shows Early
Alcaraz also pointed to his limited preparation time as a key factor behind his sluggish start. He had just one hour of practice on the Barcelona courts before stepping into match play. Adjusting to different conditions proved challenging early on, but he gradually found his rhythm and raised his level as the match progressed.
Injury Concern Not Serious
The wrist and forearm issue raised concerns, but Alcaraz downplayed its severity, describing it as recurring discomfort rather than a new injury. “It’s a discomfort I’ve had before… which has never led to anything more serious.” He confirmed that he will undergo further assessment with his physio team to ensure it does not worsen during the demanding clay-court swing.
Busy Schedule Ahead
Alcaraz faces Tomáš Macháč in the next round after the Czech defeated Sebastián Báez. Looking ahead, his schedule remains packed, with potential appearances at the Madrid Open and the Italian Open before the season’s second Grand Slam at the French Open.
With minimal recovery time between events, managing fitness will be crucial if Alcaraz is to maintain peak performance throughout the clay season.
