Barcelona Open 2026 R16 | Alcaraz Withdraws with Wrist Injury

🚨 Update (16 April 2026): Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn from the Barcelona Open with a right wrist injury sustained after his first-round win over Virtanen. He withdrew before his R16 match against Tomas Machac. Alcaraz said the injury is “a bit more serious than everyone expected” and his participation at the French Open (from 24 May) is now in doubt. He has returned home to begin recovery with his medical team.

The 2026 Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell round of 16 takes place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 April at the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona. Carlos Alcaraz has withdrawn with a right wrist injury, handing a walkover to Spanish wildcard Rafael Jodar. Cameron Norrie carries British hopes after Jack Draper’s first-round injury exit. Below, our look at the key R16 clashes and projected paths to the title.

For full tournament background, see our Barcelona Open 2026 hub.

Round of 16 Matchups

[1] Alcaraz vs Jodar (WC): Match Not Played

Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament on 16 April with a right wrist injury sustained after his first-round win over Virtanen. He pulled out before this match could take place, handing 18-year-old wildcard Rafael Jodar a walkover into the quarter-finals.

Alcaraz described the injury as “a bit more serious than everyone expected” and has returned home to begin recovery. His participation at the Mutua Madrid Open (29 April) and the French Open (24 May) — where he is the defending champion — is now in doubt.

Jodar, who beat Jaume Munar 6-1, 6-2 in R1, continues what has been a remarkable tournament debut for the 18-year-old ranked outside the top 400. He now faces Machac in the quarter-finals.

[3] De Minaur vs Medjedovic: QF Seeding Battle

Alex de Minaur edged Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 7-6(7), 6-4 in a tighter-than-expected R1. He now faces Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic, who beat lucky loser Marco Trungelliti 7-5, 6-4. Medjedovic’s powerful all-court game makes him dangerous, but De Minaur’s consistency should win out across three sets if needed.

Prediction: De Minaur in three sets.

[7] Norrie vs Quinn (Q): The Brit’s Path

Cameron Norrie, the seventh seed, produced a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-4 win over Stan Wawrinka in R1 — likely the Swiss legend’s final Barcelona appearance. Ethan Quinn, the American qualifier, beat Reilly Opelka 7-5, 7-6(7) to reach the R16 — a notable result against the big-serving American.

Quinn’s aggressive baseliner profile could trouble Norrie, but the Briton’s improved clay form gives him the edge. A win here sets up a potential QF against De Minaur — a blockbuster of sorts for British tennis fans. As the last Brit in the draw after Draper’s injury exit, Norrie carries extra weight.

Prediction: Norrie in three sets.

[2] Musetti vs Moutet: Classic Clay Battle

Lorenzo Musetti beat Spanish wildcard Martin Landaluce 7-5, 6-2 in his opener. Corentin Moutet beat Peruvian Ignacio Buse 6-4, 6-4 to advance. This has the makings of a classic clay-court encounter: two players with excellent feel for the surface, both capable of producing moments of genuine beauty. Musetti’s clay-court pedigree — Monte Carlo 2025 finalist, strong at Roland Garros — should ultimately prevail, but Moutet has the tools to make it competitive.

Prediction: Musetti in three sets.

Projected Quarter-Finals

With Alcaraz withdrawn, the draw opens up considerably. Musetti and De Minaur are the leading seeds still in contention. Rublev, who has underperformed in 2026, faces a genuine opportunity to reach a final. Jodar’s fairytale run now brings an unexpected wildcard storyline into the QF stage.

How to Watch

All R16 matches are live on Sky Sports Tennis and NOW TV in the UK. Live streaming is also available through Bet365 for account holders with a funded account or who have placed a bet in the last 24 hours.

18+ | Please Gamble Responsibly | Odds approximate at time of writing, check Bet365 for latest prices

FAQs

🎾 Semi-finals complete: Barcelona Open 2026 semi-final preview & results. Rublev beat Medjedovic 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 | Fils beat Jodar 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. → Sunday final preview: Rublev vs Fils.

When are the Barcelona Open 2026 R16 matches?

Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 April 2026, spread across two sessions each day.

Who is the R16 favourite following Alcaraz’s withdrawal?

With Carlos Alcaraz withdrawn, Lorenzo Musetti is the highest remaining seed at No. 2. Alex de Minaur [3] and Andrey Rublev [5] are also strong contenders in a draw that has opened up significantly.

Is Jack Draper still in the Barcelona Open?

No. Draper retired in his first-round match against Tomas Etcheverry with a right knee injury. Cameron Norrie is the last British player remaining.

Who won the Barcelona Open in 2025?

Holger Rune beat Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(6), 6-2 in the 2025 final. Rune is not playing this year due to injury.