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Alex de Minaur’s clay campaign stalled again in Barcelona after a shock loss, as Carlos Alcaraz’s injury reshaped the draw.

Alex de Minaur's inconsistent season has continued with a surprise last-16 exit at the Barcelona Open, missing a key opportunity on the clay ahead of the French Open.

With world No.2 Carlos Alcaraz withdrawing due to a wrist injury, the third-seeded Australian was well placed to make a deep run. Instead, he fell 6-4 6-3 to world No.88 Hamad Medjedovic in a subdued performance on the Rafa Nadal Court.

De Minaur struggled to impose himself, landing just 36 per cent of first serves and producing 25 unforced errors across the 95-minute contest. He also converted only one of nine break points, highlighting his inability to capitalise on key moments.

The world No.7 had entered the tournament aiming to build on a promising start to his clay season in Monte Carlo, where he reached the quarter-finals but exited a match he believed was winnable. However, his momentum stalled again in Barcelona against the 22-year-old Serbian, who claimed the biggest win of his career and advanced to his first ATP 500 quarter-final.

Frustration was evident in the second set when a disputed umpiring call and video review denied de Minaur a potential break at 4-3. Medjedovic responded by winning the final three games to close out the match.

The defeat continues a patchy run for de Minaur since his Rotterdam title in February, with early exits in Acapulco, Indian Wells and Miami preceding his brief resurgence in Monte Carlo.

Alcaraz's withdrawal had opened the draw, but the Spaniard's focus has now shifted to recovery after aggravating a wrist issue during his first-round win. He indicated the injury was more serious than initially expected and would require careful management to avoid long-term impact.

The timing raises doubts over Alcaraz's preparation for upcoming clay events, including Madrid and Rome, with the French Open approaching.