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Alex de Minaur’s form slump continued in Barcelona as Carlos Alcaraz’s injury cast doubt over the French Open.
Alex de Minaur's preparation for the French Open has taken another hit after a shock last-16 exit at the Barcelona Open, while Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal has added further uncertainty ahead of Roland Garros.
With Alcaraz sidelined by a wrist injury, de Minaur had a clear opportunity to push deep into the tournament. Instead, the third seed fell in straight sets to world No.88 Hamad Medjedovic, 6-4 6-3, in a flat performance on the clay at the Rafa Nadal Court.
The Australian struggled throughout, landing just 36 per cent of first serves, committing five double faults and producing 35 unforced errors. He also converted only one of nine break points, underlining a lack of sharpness at key moments.
It continues a frustrating stretch for the world No.7, who has been unable to build momentum since his Rotterdam title in February. Early exits in Acapulco, Indian Wells and Miami have been followed by a quarter-final run in Monte Carlo, where he lost a match he believed was within reach, and now another disappointing defeat in Barcelona.
De Minaur's frustration was evident in the second set, when a disputed umpiring decision and video review denied him a potential break at 4-3. From there, Medjedovic seized control, reeling off the final three games to secure the biggest win of his career and his first ATP 500 quarter-final.
Meanwhile, attention has turned to Alcaraz, whose withdrawal has cast serious doubt over his French Open defence. The world No.2 aggravated a wrist issue during his opening match in Barcelona and pulled out ahead of his scheduled clash with Tomas Machac after failing to train.
Alcaraz indicated medical tests revealed the injury was more serious than initially expected, and he would prioritise recovery to avoid long-term damage. His focus is now on regaining fitness for upcoming tournaments, including a possible return in Madrid or Rome.
The Spaniard's absence leaves the clay-court season without one of its leading contenders, with the French Open fast approaching next month.
