Overview

• Carlos Alcaraz lost the Barcelona Open final to Holger Rune 7-6(6), 6-2 after struggling with a groin injury that required a medical timeout and affected his movement.
• Alcaraz underwent an MRI on April 21 to assess the extent of the injury, with results still pending, but early physiotherapy sessions have shown encouraging progress.
• The Spaniard remains optimistic about his fitness, describing the injury as a natural response to a demanding schedule of 10 matches in 12 days and believes it is not serious.
• Rafael Nadal sent Alcaraz a supportive message, expressing hope that the injury is minor and praising his resilience, as Alcaraz prepares to defend his Madrid Open title starting April 23.
• Alcaraz, a two-time Madrid Open champion, received a second-round bye and is aiming to reclaim the title while potentially facing tough opponents like Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev in later rounds.