Sinner's number one position is secured for next week's rankings following Alcaraz's withdrawal from the ATP 500 event in Spain. The Italian currently leads Alcaraz by 390 points in the updated rankings and will enter his 68th week as world number one.

Alcaraz lost the top spot to Sinner after his defeat in the Monte Carlo Masters final. A victory at the Barcelona Open would have immediately seen Alcaraz reclaim the top ranking, swapping places with Sinner. However, this will not happen as the 22-year-old was forced to withdraw due to a right wrist and arm injury. He sustained this problem during his 6-4, 6-2 first-round win against Otto Virtanen.

Alcaraz during his first-round match against Virtanen at the Barcelona Open, on Pista Nadal, Barcelona, Spain on 14/4. Photo: Reuters

"After reviewing today's test results, the injury is more serious than I initially thought", Alcaraz stated at a press conference in Barcelona on 16/4. "I need to listen to my body and do what is best for myself so this does not affect my future".

Alcaraz is a two-time Barcelona Open champion and was runner-up last year, losing to Holger Rune. This meant he had 330 ATP points to defend this week. His withdrawal not only costs him a chance to regain the world number one spot but also disrupts his preparation plans for Roland Garros.

Alcaraz is currently considering his participation in the Madrid Open, which begins on 22/4. This is the second Masters 1000 event on clay before the stars gather for the Rome Masters, starting on 6/5. Last season, Alcaraz defeated Sinner to win the event in Italy.

Neither Sinner nor Alcaraz has points to defend at this year's Madrid Open. Last year, Alcaraz was absent due to an adductor muscle injury, while Sinner did not participate due to a three-month doping ban.

Following Alcaraz's withdrawal from the Barcelona Open, Tomas Machac advanced and will face Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals. The tournament is also seeing strong performances from Rafael Jodar, a 20-year-old player with an aggressive style, dubbed "little Alcaraz". This young Spanish talent will meet 7th seed Cameron Norrie in the quarter-finals tomorrow 17/4.

Vy Anh