Alcaraz Advances in Barcelona Open Despite Forearm Scare

Carlos Alcaraz advanced to the second round of the Barcelona Open on Tuesday with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over qualifier Otto Virtanen, overcoming an injury scare in his first match since losing the Monte Carlo Masters final to Jannik Sinner two days earlier. The world No. 2 Spaniard, playing on the clay courts of his home tournament at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, showed resilience despite discomfort in his right forearm during the 85-minute contest.

The opening set proved challenging for Alcaraz, who faced break points at 2-2 and struggled with unforced errors against the 130th-ranked Finn. Virtanen held firm, saving opportunities and keeping the score level at 4-4 before Alcaraz served for a 5-4 lead. At that changeover, the Spaniard called for a medical timeout, reporting sharp pain in his forearm every time he struck a forehand. The physio provided a massage and taped his wrist, allowing Alcaraz to return sharper and secure the break to close the set.

Alcaraz consolidated his momentum in the second set, exchanging an early break before pulling ahead with a double break to lead 4-1. He maintained control from there, winning eight of the final 10 games to wrap up the...